Brown Belt Kakuro: 150 Puzzles (Martial Arts Puzzles Series)

Kakuro books are rather thinner on the ground than books on other puzzle types so I thought I would give these books a try. One significant aspect of these books is that the series is graduated. I have the 'Green Belt' and 'Brown Belt' books and have compared equivalent numbered puzzles; there are fewer cells that can be filled in immediately in the 'Brown Belt' book (for instance, two cells that add up to 3, 4, 16 or 17).Both books contain 150 puzzles - the first 6 are 12 cells by 9, the rest are 12 by 21 (rather more elongated than I am used to). There are answers!! And a table of unique sums but not a table of all combinations for each sum (although these are widely available elsewhere). I would say that the paper would take to some rubbing out (although the presence of so much black might harm your rubber). The figures are clear (white on black).As the series will contain a whole range of puzzles, I would suggest dabbling in one or two to get a feel for how they fit with your ability and aims.

For someone used to completing the Daily Telegraph Kakuro puzzle on Saturdays, this book provides greater challenges. The main change from the Green Belt book is the increase in length of number strings to 6 or 7. I started at the end of the book and found that of the last 5 puzzles there was just one that I was unable to complete. I then went back to the start and found that I was unable to do one of the first 5 puzzles. You need your Kakuro number lists and a good basic memory of the 3,4 and 5 possible number combinations. If you don't have these, it is going to take much longer to do the puzzles. Very clever combinations and opportunities. You think that you have reached a dead end on a puzzle and then find the compiler has tossed you a lifebelt with simple area to get on with. If you struggle with the green belt book you will be lost on the brown.

There are very few Kakuro books which only contain puzzles of a set level of difficulty which is frustrating once you have mastered the harder ones and are bored by the trivial ones. This series is excellent but unfortunately I went straight to the Black Belt book which I have completed several times round. (Note I am not trying to sound arrogant, I'm not that good but I've just found that Kakuro seems to suit my way of thinking and I like to be mentally pushed!) As no further editions of the Black Belt have been published I resorted to buying the Brown Belt Kakuro out of desperation. It contains a good set of puzzles that are challenging enough to be interesting but straightforward enough to complete during a coffee break. It works well alongside the Black Belt version for when time is limited and you don't want to leave a puzzle unfinished.I would thoroughly recommend it for kakuro newcomers working their way up the difficulty levels. I just hope that Conceptis Puzzles publish more editions of this great set of books.

I bought it for her in-doors because she likes doing the puzzles. Plus it keeps her quiet and out of my hair. Peace at last.... thanks Conceptis... I can read my comics now.. I bought 7 of these books so having to give my view for each is a bit stupid.. should be able to lump them altogether.

Having bought a book a few levels down from the most difficult and finding the 'hard' level ones in a national paper were losing their challenge I felt this book would be an easy entry into completing Kakuro more regularly whilst perhaps stretching me a little more. I was wrong!! I find these much harder than the ones I have previously done with a 'hard' rating and Im very glad I didn't buy one of the harder level books.I was also hoping the format would be a little larger so that the print size of the numbers would be clearer but again I am a little disappointed.

All good

If you are fairly adept at Kakuro this is the perfect book for relaxing with. Not too easy and not too difficult, just right.

You either love or hate them.