How to Play KenKen
KenKen looks complicated. It isn't. Five minutes from now, you'll be solving your first puzzle. Five days from now, you'll be hooked.
Four Steps. That's It.
KenKen has fewer rules than chess, checkers, or even tic-tac-toe. Here is everything you need to know.
Understand the Grid
Every KenKen is a square grid, from a quick 4x4 to a fiendish 9x9. Every cell needs a number. Your job is to figure out which one.
Learn the Rules
Each row and each column gets every number, exactly once. A 4x4 uses 1 through 4. A 9x9 uses 1 through 9. So far, just like sudoku.
Decode the Cages
Those heavy outlined groups are called cages. Each one shows a target and a math operation. The numbers inside have to combine to hit that target.
Cage math
Make the Math Work
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide the numbers in a cage to match the target. For subtraction and division, order does not matter, just the result. Now we're krusing.
Order-free
Six Ways to Get Faster
Once you have solved a few puzzles, these are the techniques that cut your time in half.
Start with single-cell cages
A cage with one cell and a number means that number goes directly in the cell. Free squares. Take them.
Look for forced numbers
If a row or column is missing only one number, fill it in. Sounds obvious, easy to forget.
Use process of elimination
Cross off impossible numbers based on row, column, and cage constraints. The right number is whatever is left.
Check your math
Verify completed cages equal their target before moving on. One bad assumption ripples out.
Work the edges
Edge cages have fewer possibilities, which makes them easier. Start at the corners and work inward.
Practice makes perfect
Start with 4x4 grids and work up. There is no shortcut. The fastest solvers just have more reps.
Today's Puzzle is Waiting
Five minutes a day. Free forever. Smarter every week.