Geometric Puzzle Design

by Coffin ,Stewart

• ISBN13: 9781568813127
• ISBN10: 1568813120
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2006-12-20
• Publisher: A. K. Peters

Summary

This book discusses how to design "good" geometric puzzles: two-dimensional dissection puzzles, polyhedral dissections, and burrs. It outlines major categories of geometric puzzles and provides examples, sometimes going into the history and philosophy of those examples. The author presents challenges and thoughtful questions, as well as practical design and woodworking tips to encourage the reader to build his own puzzles and experiment with his own designs. Aesthetics, phycology, and mathematical considerations all factor into the definition of the quality of a puzzle.

Author Biography

Stewart Coffin has been designing intriguing geometrical puzzles and making them in his workshop for the past 35 years, creating more than 140 original designs. The craftsmanship and originality of their designs have won him a devoted following among puzzle enthusiasts and collectors throughout the world.

Table of Contents

Two-dimensional dissections	p. 1
Two-dimensional combinatorial puzzles	p. 17
Misdirection-type puzzles	p. 37
Variations on sliding block puzzles	p. 41
Cubic block puzzles	p. 45
Interlocking block puzzles	p. 55
The six-piece burr	p. 59
Larger (and smaller) burrs	p. 69
The diagonal burr	p. 81
The rhombic dodecahedron and its stellations	p. 87
Polyhedral puzzles with dissimilar pieces	p. 99
Intersecting prisms	p. 107
Puzzles that make different shapes	p. 113
Coordinate-motion puzzles	p. 117
Puzzles using hexagonal or rhombic sticks	p. 121
Split triangular sticks	p. 129
Dissected rhombic dodecahedra	p. 133
Miscellaneous confusing puzzles	p. 139
Triacontahedral designs	p. 143
Puzzles made of polyhedral blocks	p. 153
Intermezzo	p. 161
Theme and variations	p. 167
Blocks and pins	p. 175
Woodworking techniques	p. 187
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