KenKen Strategies

1 A 4 × 4 challenge

In this standard puzzle KenKen, the numbers in each heavily outlined set
of squares, called cages, must combine (in any order) to produce the target
number in the top corner of the cage using the mathematical operation in-
dicated. A number can be repeated within a cage as long as it is not in the
same row or column. In this 4 × 4 puzzle, the four numbers are 1 through
4. Notice that one of the cages has no clue. This is not a standard feature.
We call it a ‘clueless cage’.

7+

48×

1−

1
KenKen Strategies

Solution: Solution. First note that there is just one multiset of can-
didates for the 7-cell cage [48×]: {1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4}. Putting three 1’s in the
H-shaped cage requires the fourth 1 to go in a1. Summarizing what we know,

1 2 3 4
7+

a 1
48×

b
1−

c 1
3

d 3
Now focus on the pair a2, b1 which sum to 6. Can they both be 3’s? Why
not? Can a2 be 2? Why not? So a2 = 4 and we are off to the races. Filling
in the row a and column 1 is now straight-forward.

2
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1 2 3 4
7+

a 1 4 2 3
48×

b 2 4
1−

c 3 1
3

d 4 3
With three 3’s and three 4’s filled in, the complete solution is just seconds
away.

3
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1 2 3 4
7+

a 1 4 2 3
48×

b 2 3 4 1
1−

c 3 2 1 4
3

d 4 1 3 2