{"id":4165,"date":"2026-09-24T15:50:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T13:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/retroplaynow.eu\/arcade\/kakuro\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T15:50:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T13:50:11","slug":"kakuro","status":"publish","type":"rpp_game","link":"https:\/\/retroplaynow.eu\/it\/arcade\/kakuro\/","title":{"rendered":"Kakuro"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kakuro, sometimes called Cross Sums, is the arithmetic cousin of the crossword. Instead of words, you fill the grid with digits 1 through 9. Instead of definitions, each horizontal and vertical run of white cells has a clue number that the digits in that run must sum to. And like sudoku, no digit may repeat within a single run.<\/p>\n

The beauty of Kakuro lies in the combination constraints. A run of two cells summing to 17 can only be 8+9 (since 9+8 is the same pair). A run of three cells summing to 6 can only be 1+2+3. These forced combinations are the building blocks of every solution.<\/p>\n

As you advance, the puzzles become intricate webs of intersecting runs. A single cell belongs to one horizontal and one vertical run simultaneously. Finding a cell where both constraints converge to a single digit is the key to unlocking the puzzle.<\/p>\n

Our RetroPlayNow version offers hand-crafted puzzles at multiple difficulty levels, a candidate-pencil mode for noting possible digits, error highlighting for conflicts, and a library of combination hints for beginners. Every completed puzzle earns Retro Coins.<\/p>\n

How to play Kakuro<\/h2>\n
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  1. Fill runs with unique digits.<\/strong> Each horizontal and vertical run of white cells must be filled with digits 1-9, no repeats within a run.<\/li>\n
  2. Match the clue sums.<\/strong> The digits in each run must sum to the clue number shown at the start of that run.<\/li>\n
  3. Use combination logic.<\/strong> Some sums have only one possible combination of digits. A two-cell run summing to 17 must be 8+9. Learn these patterns.<\/li>\n
  4. Find intersection cells.<\/strong> Cells that belong to both a horizontal and vertical run are the most constrained \u2014 solve them first.<\/li>\n
  5. Earn Retro Coins.<\/strong> Complete puzzles to score points based on difficulty and solving time. Faster solutions earn more Retro Coins.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

    More games to play<\/h2>\n