Matchstick puzzles are rearrangement puzzles in which a number of matchsticks are arranged into shapes or numbers, and the problem to solve is usually formulated as moving a fixed number of matchsticks to achieve some specific other arrangement.
The puzzles may ask the solver to alter some mathematical equation,[1] often with numbers represented as Roman numerals, or Arabic numerals in a seven-segment display typeface. Other puzzles challenge the solver to rearrange a crude matchstick picture.[2]
Some matchstick puzzles require lateral thinking, such as changing a number into a mathematical symbol.[3]
Puzzles may also be set with no starting position, simply challenging the solver to create an arrangement using a number of matches. One example that requires lateral thinking is to form four equilateral triangles from six matches; this can only be done by arranging the matches in a three-dimensional pyramid shape.[4]
- ^ Publishing, Arcturus (15 September 2011). The Pub Quiz & Puzzle Book. Arcturus Publishing. p. 155. ISBN 978-1-84858-413-6.
- ^ Grabarchuk, Peter (2008). Modern Classic Puzzles. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. p. 6. ISBN 978-1-4027-4808-0.
- ^ Bellos, Alex (12 March 2018). "Did you solve it? The Pi Day party starts here". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ Fulves, Karl (13 July 2012). Big Book of Magic Tricks. Courier Corporation. p. 27. ISBN 978-0-486-17077-0.