After literally a decade of waiting, Will Shortz and the USPC gang finally release another World Puzzle Federation (WPF)-based logic puzzle book. I assume the general aim of the book is to welcome new comers to the field of WPF-style logic puzzles. The book begins with the Training section, containing puzzles written by Wei-Hwa Huang, these puzzles are for new comers to get the hang of new variants that they may be unfamiliar with.
Then you are presented with puzzles from the US National Championship, the actual test used to select the USA team members to the annual World Puzzle Championship (WPC). Lastly, puzzles from the actual World Championships are given. With a healthy number of hints, tips and full solutions, essentially this is like a guided handbook from starting out trying to solve a puzzle type, improve your skills at it, and then sending you off the actual WPC.
Every puzzle is given a `benchmark' or the solving time you are trying to aim for. There's the beginner's goal, the expert's goal and the record time displayed by the test solvers. I should mention here that the test solvers are a batch of world champions so expect to see a record time of something like 34 seconds for a puzzle that usually takes 10+ minutes.
Now you might be eager to know, what kind of puzzles do appear in this book. Although the list of logic puzzle types easily extends to over 100 or even 200, or even more including plays on variants, it is no surprise that a WPC participant may be exposed to over 100+ puzzle types in one sitting. That's not very welcoming for one who's starting out, so this book narrows that list down to just over 20 and includes some variants in the mix. Here are some random examples you may/may not be familiar with: Spot the Difference, Minesweepers, Tapa, Japanese Sums, Honey Islands, Star Battle and a lot more.
I highly recommend this book for those who are new to and interested in this community of logic puzzlers. For experts, you can enjoy comparing your times against Snyder and Mebane. Considering the amount of puzzles the USPC has access to, I wish to see more in published form.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Search for global treasures with live shopping experiences
Amazon Explore Browse now
