Matchstick puzzle

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]

References

^ 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.

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[1] Publishing, Arcturus (15 September 2011). The Pub Quiz & Puzzle Book. Arcturus Publishing. p. 155. ISBN 978-1-84858-413-6.

[2] Grabarchuk, Peter (2008). Modern Classic Puzzles. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. p. 6. ISBN 978-1-4027-4808-0.

[3] Bellos, Alex (12 March 2018). "Did you solve it? The Pi Day party starts here". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 July 2024.

[4] Fulves, Karl (13 July 2012). Big Book of Magic Tricks. Courier Corporation. p. 27. ISBN 978-0-486-17077-0.

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