KenKen creator Tetsuya Miyamoto
KenKen is a logic and mathematical puzzle which is similar to Sudoku. Tetsuya Miyamoto, a Japanese mathematics teacher, created this quite creative brain exercise. He holds weekend mathematics, logic, and mathematics tutorials for children; he first introduced KenKen to these children to improve their number sense, concentration, and perseverance. As a math teacher, I use many different activities to achieve the same goals as Mr. Miyamoto.
The puzzle has many variations, but the most common are 4×4 and 6×6 grids. For the 4×4 grid the goal is to fill the grid in with the digits 1 through 4 such that:
- Each row contains exactly one of each digit
- Each column contains exactly one of each digit
- 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 using the mathematical operation indicated.
Will Shortz, the Puzzle Editor for the New York Times, has published a large number of Sudoku books, and is now adding to his resume by adding KenKen books as well. You can find them at many online booksellers. He’s also created a YouTube video giving a nice intro to this puzzle.
New York Times KenKen site: Play online!
KenKen article from the London Times
The home page for Tetsuya Miyamoto and KenKen
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I always keep an eye on your bolg! I read about the KenKen puzzles on Wednesday evening. I went to the site and printed out a couple and worked on them – some went fast – others not so fast, but they were fun! I took them in to my 8th grade students and it was a huge hit! They like these much better Sudoku (my favorite). We had some “discussins” about why a number would fit where. Thanks very much for sharing these great puzzles!
Hi Mary,
KenKen seems to be a great alternative or supplement to Sudoku. It’s nice to have built-in math operations in each clue. Glad your students enjoy the puzzles.
Mr. L
I also share your interest in KenKen, so much so in fact that I created a website where you can play free, random games online. You can visit it at http://www.webkendoku.com