A Logical Combination

A Leap of Logic 2

In our first post on logic puzzles we looked at some very simple ideas of logic, we learned about inference and deduction and some of the ways they might be applied. We looked common pitfalls in logical thinking and of course we learned how to avoid them. In this post we will begin to explore the different kinds of logic puzzle that can be found, and start to apply the things we have learned.

If This is Logic Then That is a Solution

A Leap of Logic 1

Recently, Logic Puzzles have been in the news and depending on your point of view, it may have been for all the right, or all the wrong reasons. In this new series of blog posts we begin to explore the fascinating world of logic puzzles, why they both are, and aren't maths puzzles and of course why that statement is completely illogical.

Thinking Outside The Box

Driving You Dotty
Part One

Recently I went on a departmental training and bonding trip to Northamptonshire. On the first night I performed in a scheduling based micro-musical with songs based on the works of Abba. The evening was filled with singing and dancing, getting to know our colleagues from London who we rarely get the chance to meet.

What has this got to do with lateral thinking, well think a little outside the box and I will show you.

The Christmas Investigations: The Crystal Maze Explaination

Christmas Investigations
Part Six

In the third and final of our Christmas investigations I left you pondering the problem of prisoners. In particular how to decide when it is better to release your locked in comrades in the game show The Crystal Maze.

How do you decide whether to release one of your locked-in teammates?

Just Plain Cryptic

Cryptic Crosswords
Part Fifteen

So we have been looking at cryptic crosswords for some considerable time without actually solving any cryptic crossword clues. I see the furrowed brow and look of confusion you are pointing in my direction; but I stand by that statement.

The final type of clue we will be looking at in this crossword is the pure cryptic. The most cryptic of all cryptic crossword clues.

Three Cheers for our Queer Old Dean!

Cryptic Crosswords
Part Fourteen

Never let it be said that I pass up an opportunity for a thoroughly rude blog title. In this post we continue our exploration of Cryptic Crosswords with a look at one of the more light hearted and entertaining crossword clues.

Deciding What's Important

Puzzling Parables
Part One

In this festive series I aim to introduce you to Logic and Lateral Thinking puzzles by getting you to accept the three certainties of puzzling. I have written a little story about each of these truths and I call them the Puzzling Parables.

The Shapes of Words

Word Mechanics
Part Three

What can dyslexia and dyspraxia teach us about the shapes of words. How do we read and how does this affect our puzzling.

Today we're looking at the physical forms of letters and words and we'll be tackling a puzzle that tests your word recognition skills.

Twain had Phony Byproduct

Anagrams
Part Three

This whole post is a test of your anagram skills. Put what you have learned into practice and see if you can decipher what is going on as we pay homage to a very British institution.

The Sound of Letters

Word Mechanics
Part Two

Context and familiarity are you enemies in this puzzling post on the sounds of letters. English is such a ridiculously complex language in terms of pronunciation that many puzzles rely on the way words are said to work.

The Mathematics of The Multigram

Anagrams
Part Two

I first decided to write a blog about puzzling when I came across a really tough word problem based on anagrams. It's from Mensa's The Genius Test, which is well worth a look if you're looking for a challenge.

Today we learn all about the multigram puzzle and how numbers help us solve puzzles about letters.

Of Numbers of Letters

Anagrams
Part One

Today we stick our toes into the enormous ocean that is word puzzles. From Anagrams to Crosswords, word puzzles differ from riddles in that they rely heavily on our knowledge and understanding of the English language.

What is a Puzzle?

Puzzle Theory
Part One

Exactly what is a puzzle, and what isn't. In our first look at puzzle theory we tackle a question whose goalposts move on a daily basis. Just how do we define the word puzzle.

Examination Time

Riddles
Part Five

It's time for a challenge, as we get to the end of this series of posts on riddles it's time to put everything you've learned into practice.

First though we're going to take a look at what the ravages of time can do to a puzzle.

Riddle Me This

Riddles
Part Four

Puzzle fans will disagree on how to categorise certain puzzles; but I think it's important to be able to give a name to each kind of puzzle and therefore each strategy for solving them. A cerebral sort of 'know your enemy' if you will.

Today we'll look at the different kinds of riddles available to the dedicated puzzler.

The Puzzling Roy Keane

Riddles
Part Three

Today I had cause to sit through a presentation about Euro 2012 followed by a question and answer session with one Roy Keane, who I am informed is some kind of football player turned broadcaster. I must admit to not particularly looking forward to this training course. Sport, while a great source of puzzle material; has never been of great attraction to me.

Questions, Conditions and Flavour

Riddles
Part Two

So last time I told you about the G-R-Y puzzle and gave you the first rule of puzzling in the hope that you would all apply one to the other, and come up with the answer to the puzzle. It's an odd answer to a puzzle about words ending 'gry'; and of course everyone knows that the English Language ends 'Zyrian', which is ironic really.

An Arsenal of Answers

Riddles
Part One

Here is where the journey starts, we begin our trip into the world of puzzles with riddles, and more specifically the fabled GRY puzzle.