FAQ Answers
1. What do the words "KENKEN" mean?
""Ken is the Japanese word for “wisdom.” So we like to think of “KenKen” as “wisdom squared.” (See? We told you the puzzle makes you smarter—you just learned some Japanese!)
2. Are there multiple solutions to each KENKEN puzzle?
No! We create each KENKEN puzzle so that there only one possible way to put the numbers in the squares. (As for no two snowflakes being alike, well, we’re still checking on that.)
3. I think I found a mistake in a puzzle!
First of all, that’s not a question, frequently asked or not. But we will answer it anyway! Our puzzles are created by a high-level artificial intelligence program called the Kenerator. For each puzzle, it verifies: that the numbers in each cage produce the intended target number; that no number is repeated in a row or column; and that there is only one overall solution (i.e. one possible way to place the numbers in the squares).
To this date, we do not know of a single instance in which the Kenerator has made an error. So we ask you to first check a puzzle’s solution. If you still think something is not quite right, contact us with the full details and we’ll get one of our human experts on the case right away!
4. How can I contact KENKEN Customer Service?
You see down at the bottom of the page, where it says “Contact Us” in smaller type? You can always click there. But right now, we’ll make it even easier: You can simply click here! We want to make your KENKEN experience as fun and clear as possible, so just let us know how we can help you!
5. Why do you have advertisements on this site? I came here to play puzzles, not look at ads!
Someone has to pay the electric bill for the Kenerator! Seriously, for players enjoying our free puzzles, we must somehow offset our operational costs (such as bandwidth). If you prefer an ad-free experience while playing our puzzles, we will be offering a low fee option in the near future.
6. What numbers can I use in the puzzles?
We think you’ll notice a pattern here:
For a 3x3 grid, use the numbers 1–3.
For a 4x4, use 1–4.
For a 5x5, use 1–5.
For a 6x6, use 1–6.
For a 7x7, use 1–7.
For an 8x8, use 1–8.
For a 9x9, use 1–9.
7. What is a “target number”?
It has nothing to do with a popular chain of stores. The target number is the small number in the upper left corner of a heavily outlined group of boxes (called a “cage”). It is usually followed by a math operation (+, –, x, ÷). So, for example, the notation 6+ means that the numbers in the cage should add up to 6. The notation 48x would means that multiplying the numbers in the cage should give you a product of 48.
8. What is a "cage"?
It’s where you keep your pet parakeet. Oh, a cage in KENKEN! That refers to one of the heavily outlined groups of squares in a grid. Every cage has a target number in the upper left corner. All cages (except single-square cages) have a math operation next to the target number. This is the operation that should be used when combining the numbers in the cage to produce the target number.
9. Can I repeat a number within a cage?
Yes, a number may be repeated within a cage as long as it is not repeated within the same row or column. Yes, a number may be repeated within… whoops, sorry, we repeated ourselves!
10. Does it matter in what order I put numbers into a cage?
The order does not matter—just make sure not to repeat a number in a row or column. So, in a two-square cage, if the target number is 3 and the operation is subtraction, 1 and 4 can be placed in either order: The 1 on top or bottom in a vertical cage, or on the left or right in a horizontal cage. Now, as for putting on your socks and shoes, those have a specific order!
11. If there is only one square in a cage, what do I do?
You should smile, because these are the easiest cages to solve. We call them “freebies.” The target number (in the upper left corner) is the number you write in the cage.
12. Why are some lines dark and some lines lighter?
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. The dark lines outline a cage. The lighter lines separate squares within the same cage.
13. Do I need math skills to solve KENKEN puzzles?
You don’t need to know the quadratic equation or be able to solve the Riemann hypothesis, but yes, basic math is involved. You’ll need addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You'll be able to pick which operation(s) you want in your puzzle.
14. How do I start solving a KENKEN puzzle?
Every KENKEN player has his or her own style. (Personally, we don’t recommend staring at the puzzle with a mean look on your face.) Many like to fill in single-square cages first. Cages that have only one possible set of numbers are good to look for. (For example, in a 4x4 grid, if there is a two-square cage with a target of 7+, we know the numbers will be 3 and 4.) For more tips, check our beginners’ tutorial.
15. Can the puzzles be solved without guessing?
We guess so! It’s true: With logic, basic math, and a little perseverance, any KENKEN puzzle can be solved. There is no guesswork required. This doesn’t mean that a little trial-and-error isn’t helpful. That can come in quite handy to eliminate possibilities in larger puzzles.
16. I’m new at KENKEN and need some help. What do you have for me?
Visit our Videos page for two separate how-to lessons (one starring Will Shortz, New York Times crossword editor). We also have a step-by-step text tutorial. You’ll be an expert in no time, and ready to move onto our next frequently-asked question!
17. I’m very good at KENKEN and ready to move on to the next level of difficulty. What do you have for me?
Ready for the expert-level puzzles? (This is so emotional; it seems like just yesterday you were a beginner!) We also have a step-by-step tutorial for our more difficult puzzles.
18. Where can I find instructions to play the online puzzles?
First of all, congratulations on not being one of those “Who needs instructions? I’ll figure it out by myself!” people. You’ll find detailed instructions by clicking on “How to Play” above or simply clicking here.
19. Do you have mobile versions?
App-solutely we do! Visit our KENKEN Store to download the right version for you, whether it’s iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Kindle . (Android edition coming soon.)
20. I have narrowed down the possible numbers for a square. Is there any way to note this online?
Relax, you don’t have to write on the screen with a pencil. When you click on a square, a “note bar” shows up above the grid. Click on the possible numbers from that bar. The numbers will show up in small type in the square. For more details, see our online instructions. Want to repeat your note(s) in another square? You can simply drag the note from the first square to the second!.
21. I don’t always like clicking on things! Can I enter or delete numbers and notes using my keyboard?
Sure! Once you’ve selected a square (sorry, you’ll have to click on it), you can press shift and a number key to enter (or delete) that number as a note. Or, to just enter a number in a square, press that number on the keyboard (no shift). To delete a number, press C.
22. What is with the purple and yellow squares?
When you move your mouse over a square, it turns purple. When you click on a square, it turns yellow. Now, why did we choose purple and yellow? Sorry, you’ll have to ask our designer!
23. When I click on a square, what do the "X" and "C" mean in the number ring?
If you change your mind about a number you’ve answered, clicking “C” will delete it. If you want to hide the number ring, click “X.”
24. Can I save a puzzle that I haven’t finished?
We are still developing many new features to add to the KenKen experience. The ability to save puzzles is expected to be ready very shortly!
25. Why aren't my puzzles loading?
First, make sure you are on the computer and not trying to play KENKEN on your microwave. OK, here are a few things to try: Reload/refresh the web page. If that doesn’t work, make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player. Still not working? On your browser, empty the cache and clear the history. If all else fails, contact us and we’ll try to figure it out together.
26. My puzzles won’t print at all. What’s wrong?
If you are using Firefox as your browser, click on "Print Problems" just below the PRINT button. [Note: I do not see this option on Firefox.] If you are not using Firefox, make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player. Still not working? Try printing from your browser’s file menu rather than clicking the printer icon below the grid. Or try switching to another browser. If all else fails, contact us and we’ll try to figure it out together.
27. My puzzles print, but, they run off the page. How can I fix this?
To stop them from running off the page, remove the puzzles’ sneakers. Seriously, though, if the images are cut off, this should help: On the toolbar, click "File,” then select “Print Preview," and set “Scale" to “Shrink to Fit.”
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