Kakuro: the essential combinations to get started
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By Playzr
Why combinations matter
In Kakuro, a sum is only part of the clue: digits cannot repeat inside a run. Two cells totalling 3 must contain 1 and 2; two cells totalling 17 must contain 8 and 9. These extreme sums are excellent starting points.
Build a small mental table
| Cells | Sum | Required digits |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 1 + 2 |
| 2 | 4 | 1 + 3 |
| 2 | 16 | 7 + 9 |
| 2 | 17 | 8 + 9 |
| 3 | 6 | 1 + 2 + 3 |
| 3 | 24 | 7 + 8 + 9 |
You do not need to memorise every sum. The strongly constrained ones open the grid, and intersections handle the remaining work.
Cross candidates instead of guessing
Write the candidates allowed by the horizontal sum, then retain only those compatible with the vertical sum. If one cell belongs to 1 + 3 horizontally and 3 + 4 vertically, 3 is the only common digit. A placed digit should always be supported by both directions.
Apply the method
Use the French Kakuro game to make these checks automatic. When a grid stalls, request a hint in the game and look for the first deduction you missed instead of merely copying the finished answer.
The useful question is not “which digit should I try?” but “which combinations remain compatible in both directions?”.