Abstract: A three-dimensional puzzle game includes a plurality of puzzle elements each having a connector, such as a slot or tab, for removable connection to one another. Each connector has a problem or answer indicia associated therewith, whereby the three-dimensional object is constructed by mating the relevant problem tab or slot of one puzzle element with the corresponding answer tab or slot of another puzzle element.

Abstract: A puzzle device includes a plurality of separate blocks that are assembled together as a unit which can be manipulated between different configurations. At least one magnet is arranged along an edge of at least certain of the blocks to attract the edge of another block in juxtaposition with it. The two juxtaposed blocks are able to be manipulated to rotate about an axis formed along the two juxtaposed edges, a stronger attractive force being exerted at the axis between the two juxtaposed blocks, and a weaker attractive force is exerted along the juxtaposed edges parallel to but remote from the axis. This enables faces of the blocks in contact to be split apart and rotated about the axis until another pair of faces come into contact, such that, in this new position, a stronger attractive force is again exerted at the axis and a weaker attractive force is again exerted remote from the axis, the stronger attractive forces holding the separate blocks together as a unit in all the configurations of the unit.

Abstract: A multilayered decorative puzzle apparatus constructed into a three dimensional geometric structure. The puzzle apparatus further includes an innermost and an outermost layer. Each layer further comprises a set of puzzle pieces which are arranged around a rod securely attached to the center of a base. The base supports the constructed geometric structure. A cover is provided to encompass and protect the constructed geometric structure.

Abstract: A construction element having a card like structure and which can be used to build three dimensional structures, the construction element having upper and lower marginal edges, side marginal edges, first and second upper tabs, first and second lower tabs, and a upper recess formed in an upper marginal edge and a lower recess formed in a lower marginal edge, the lower recesses being designed to receive the lower tabs and upper recesses being designed to receive the upper tabs.

Abstract: A toy building element comprising one or more first beam-like parts (23, 24) with a plane internal face and an external face, and one or more other beam-like parts (21, 22) with a plane internal face and an external face. The beam-like parts are assembled in at least one corner whereby two internal faces are caused to form an angle of less than 180° relative to each other. At least the first beam-like part (23, 24) is/are provided with an opening (7) that extends transversally thereto from the external face to the internal face, and the opening (7) is arranged so far towards the corner that the plane for the face of the plane internal face (4) of the second beam-like part (21, 22) intersects the opening in the plane for the face of the plane internal face (3) of the first beam-like part (23, 24).

Abstract: A polyomino piece includes a cube with six sides. Five sides of the cube each have four openings defined therein and arranged in two rows and two arrays. The remainder sixth side of the cube has two openings catercorner defined along a diagonal of the sixth side, and two first lugs catercorner formed along the other diagonal of the sixth side. A plurality of polyomino pieces can be combined to form various patterns, and the first lugs are hidden inside the patterns and cannot be seen at the outer surfaces, so that the patterns have nice appearances and can be stably placed.

Abstract: A multiple game block puzzle comprises a plurality of interlocked block members. Each block member has first, second, third and fourth block member edges, which define a first surface and a first pictorial image, which includes a first plurality of partial pictorial images. Each partial pictorial image corresponds to a portion of the first pictorial image. The first partial pictorial images are attached to the first surface of each one of the block members and are aligned along at least two block member edges to match the first pictorial image to a first reference copy thereof. A kit including the puzzle is also provided.

Abstract: A puzzle or game is provided which is capable of multiple solutions. The puzzle pieces are all geometric shapes having only right angles. The puzzle pieces are assembled in a tray, which optionally includes a storage area.

Abstract: A system for making a picture puzzle collage from a collection of individual photographs each having a picture displaying front surface and a rear surface including a board, a plurality of removable mating contiguous puzzle pieces that fit together in a format to cover the board, adhesive covering the front surface of each puzzle piece and a removable film covering each adhesive covered puzzle piece front surface that when removed from each puzzle piece permits the rearward surface of each of the individual photographs to be affixed thereto and permits excess of each photograph affixed to a puzzle piece to be trimmed away leaving each of the puzzle pieces with a portion of one of the individual photographs thereon, the puzzle pieces when trimmed can then be assembled in a contiguous format on the board.

Abstract: A three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle includes a three-dimensional core body having a vertical axis and including a plurality of stackable block units formed by cutting the core body along a plurality of transverse cutting planes that are transverse to the vertical axis. Each of the block units has top and bottom surfaces which are opposite to each other in a vertical direction that is parallel to the vertical axis, and includes at least two block members formed by cutting each of the stackable block units along at least one vertical cutting plane that is parallel to and that passes through the vertical axis. A plurality of interlocking members are disposed to interlock removably an adjacent pair of the block units.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a new three dimensional puzzle apparatus having fifteen geometrically different components which can be interconnected to form a four by four by four cube. The four by four by four cube is subdivided into sixty four equally sized smaller cubes. Each of the fifteen individual pieces have from one to six of such smaller cubes interconnected to one another to form a unique three dimensional shape. The fifteen pieces include one piece with one small cube, one piece with three small cubes, six pieces with four small cubes, six pieces with five small cubes and one piece with six small cubes. The three dimensional puzzle can be used as a toy or game as well as for educational and security purposes.

Abstract: A three dimensional jigsaw puzzle has pieces with protrusions and cutouts. The protrusions and cutouts of every two adjacent pieces correspond to each other. Each piece is a tangential area of a sphere so that when the pieces are all combined, the sphere is formed.

Abstract: A new method is described of providing mental stimulus to a subject suffering significant cognitive and/or sensory impairment or deterioration, for example a subject having a medically diagnosed dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, and thereby enhancing the subject's psychological condition. The method of the invention comprises causing the subject to handle an article comprising a plurality of pieces that (a) individually have a surface layer formed of a soft fabric, and (b) collectively exhibit differing tactility when handled by the subject.

Abstract: A plurality of relatively rigid elements for arrangement into a three-dimensional (3-D) structure that represents an image; also a method for arranging a plurality of relatively rigid elements into a 3-D structure. Each element has a base-thickness and comprises a top surface, an undersurface, and a wall-surface around its perimeter. The perimeter of each of the elements yielding the image, is shaped to represent a component of the image. The elements are adapted for initial arrangement wherein a juxtaposed wall-surface of each adjacent element comprises a beveled plane. In the initial arrangement, the undersurface of two or more elements can be arranged in a pattern of the image such that beveled planes of juxtaposed wall-surfaces are frictionally-unlocked. The elements are also adapted for positioning into the 3-D structure wherein at least a portion of juxtaposed beveled planes are in releasable friction-interlock and top surfaces of elements are tiered with respect to any adjacent element(s).

Abstract: A multiple piece puzzle comprises a solid sphere with the external appearance of a golf ball of modern construction. A series of curving cuts through the sphere separate the sphere into a plurality of separate pieces wherein the cuts form complementary pairs of surfaces among the separate pieces. Proper assembly of the pieces solves the puzzle and restores the golf ball appearance of the puzzle. The curving cuts form interlocks between the pairs of complementary surfaces whereby, once assembled, the sphere will be retained together in three dimensions in a similar manner as two-dimensional puzzle pieces are retained together. In the preferred embodiment, the puzzle comprises eight pieces that can slide together, however, the puzzle can be formed with more pieces for added complexity and more challenge.

Abstract: A multilayered decorative puzzle apparatus constructed into a three dimensional geometric structure. The puzzle apparatus further includes an innermost and an outermost layer. Each layer further comprises a set of puzzle pieces which are arranged around a rod securely attached to the center of a base. The base supports the constructed geometric structure. A cover is provided to encompass and protect the constructed geometric structure.

Abstract: A plurality of relatively rigid elements for arrangement into a three-dimensional (3-D) structure that represents an image; also a method for arranging a plurality of relatively rigid elements into a 3-D structure. Each element has a base-thickness and comprises a top surface, an undersurface, and a wall-surface around its perimeter. The perimeter of each of the elements yielding the image, is shaped to represent a component of the image. The elements are adapted for initial arrangement wherein a juxtaposed wall-surface of each adjacent element comprises a beveled plane. In the initial arrangement, the undersurface of two or more elements can be arranged in a pattern of the image such that beveled planes of juxtaposed wall-surfaces are frictionally-unlocked. The elements are also adapted for positioning into the 3-D structure wherein at least a portion of juxtaposed beveled planes are in releasable friction-interlock and top surfaces of elements are tiered with respect to any adjacent element(s).

Abstract: A game or toy comprises a plurality of rectangular elements each having a substantially square upper face and a substantially square lower face interconnected by four rectangular side faces. The upper face of each element has an alphanumeric character printed on it or molded onto or into it. The side faces of each element are dimensioned so that the elements are free-standing on any side face. Two adjacent side faces of each element have projecting half star shaped connectors means formed on them, while the other two adjacent side faces have complementary grooves shaped to receive and retain the retain the projecting connectors of another such element, so that the elements can be joined together side face to side face in two mutually perpendicular direction to form a two dimensional crossword or number game. Auxiliary connecting elements are provided for connecting the rectangular elements together with their upper faces at right angles, so that the game can be played in three dimensions.

Abstract: A three dimensional puzzle is disclosed wherein the puzzle player is required to rotate or manipulate interlocking disc members along a puzzle base so as to orient notched areas along the perimeter of a number of the discs in order to remove and then reinsert asymmetrical “bird-like” play pieces being held in recesses or repositories within the puzzle base.

Abstract: The present invention is toy or educational tool comprising a container shaped and decorated to portray a doll or thing being studied and housing puzzle pieces inside that, when assembled, create an image of or thematically related to said container or thing being studied.

Abstract: A play miniature toy furniture puzzle consisting of a plurality of pieces cut from a single block of wood nested together forming a puzzle-type set.

Abstract: A puzzle forming a cube when assembled includes a plurality of hexahedron blocks, each block defining at least one hole therein which passes completely through the block. A plurality of fastening elements of substantially identical dimensions with respect to each other are provided, and the blocks are assembled together in a predetermined manner to form a cube with each of the fastening elements passing through predetermined holes of the blocks.

Abstract: A global jigsaw puzzle including a global body composed of two semispherical bodies and a number of pieces. The number of the pieces is such that the pieces can be assembled to form at least one complete spherical face. The pieces have complementary shapes and a curvature equal to that of the surface of the global body. A magnet is inlaid in each piece. By means of the magnetic attraction of the magnet, the pieces are attracted by and easily detachably attached to the surface of the global body.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cube puzzle consists of twenty-five different shaped pieces. Each piece has five cubic units of volume and has at least two square sides. Each square side consists of four edges, each edge has a unit of length, such that when all twenty-five pieces are assembled together they will form a three-dimensional cube with each side having five units of length.

Abstract: An octopus-shaped toy is built up from a plurality of modeled parts including two main body parts, two interconnecting parts, and a plurality of tentacle parts. All these modeled parts are connected to one another through engagement of slits provided thereon and thereby form a three-dimensional toy octopus. These parts are also provided with patterns showing specific features that are usually found on a real octopus, so that the assembled toy octopus is vivid to attract more players and helps players to know more things about the octopus.

Abstract: This invention describes a puzzle comprising at least one fundamental unit. The fundamental unit comprises a cube with six faces. Each of the faces has two raised quadrants on diagonally opposite quadrants and two open quadrants on diagonally opposite quadrants. Each raised quadrant houses a bonding member. Each open quadrant houses a bonding member that will mate with and interlock with the bonding member of the raised quadrants such that the bonding member will hold a fundamental unit to another fundamental unit. This invention describes a magnetic puzzle comprising at least one fundamental unit. The fundamental unit comprises a cube with six faces and a center. Each of the faces has two raised quadrants on diagonally opposite quadrants and two open quadrants wherein the face of the cube is exposed. Each quadrant houses a recessed magnet having a south and north pole.

Abstract: A puzzle in the form of stacks which eliminates troublesome handling, and presents high versatility as amusement. An overall picture as a correct combination is divided into a plurality of segmental pictures which are separately displayed on different cards, each of which is placed in a plurality of cards belonging to one of stacks equal in number to the plurality of segmental pictures. A card displaying one of the segmental pictures is selected from a plurality of cards of each stack for exposure, and selected cards are placed in close proximity to assemble the segmental pictures to reconstruct the overall pictures on the cards.

Abstract: A multi-function puzzle including a plurality of irregularly shaped puzzle pieces having uniform thickness which are capable of being joined together in a predetermined matrix. A tray is provided that is dimensioned for receiving the irregularly shaped puzzle pieces thereon in the predetermined matrix in a two-dimensional orientation. The tray has a central section having an upwardly extending peripheral sidewall with a height corresponding to the thickness of the puzzle pieces. The central section has a foam-padding layer disposed thereon. The foam-padding layer has a design thereon corresponding with the irregularly shaped puzzle pieces. A plurality of connectors are provided that each have a different arrangement of radially extending slots. The slots are dimensioned for receiving the irregularly shaped puzzle pieces therein in a three-dimensional orientation.

Abstract: A puzzle piece and puzzle made from the pieces is disclosed. The puzzle piece has a center member having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface have four long edges and four short edges. Each of the edges has a first end and a second end, and wherein a first two of the long edges meet to form an angle at one of their ends and at the other end of each of the long edges each edge meets and forms an angle with a short edge. A second two of the long edges meet to form an angle at one of their ends and at the other end of each of the long edges each edge meets and forms an angle with a short edge. Each of the short edges have a first and second end and two of the short edges meet to form an angle and the remaining two of the short edges meet to form an angle. The central member has four legs extending from each of the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional puzzle for a way to relieve stress and to provide entertainment. The multi-dimensional puzzle includes a cylindrical base member having lateral slots and a longitudinal slot and a bore; two tubular members also having two lateral slots and a longitudinal slot and a bore; two planar members each having two slots; an arcuate plate member having two slots; three arcuate pieces one of which has a longitudinal slot; and three slot-filling members. All of the pieces and members are placed in such a way to form a solid cylindrical structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a puzzle comprising a plurality of planar elements (54, 55, 57) and a main core member (53). When the plurality of planar elements (54, 55, 57) are assembled in a correct order then the planar elements (54, 55, 57) together define a recognizable three-dimensional figure (50). In some aspects of the invention the planar elements (54, 55, 57) comprise at least first (54) and second (55, 57) sub-groups of planar elements. The first sub-group of planar elements (54) are for assembly on the main core member (53). The assembled three-dimensional figure comprises a plurality of separately identifiable components (56, 58). One of the components (56, 58) is defined totally by the second sub-group of planar elements (55, 57) and is an entity identifiable separately from the remainder of the assembled puzzle. In some embodiments the planar elements (55) of the second sub-group are mounted on a branch core member (51).

Abstract: A game, comprising a number of elements (2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12) with at least one nontransparent zone (7, 14) and at least one opening (5, 13) or transparent zone, which are so made that by forming a pile of at least two elements (2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12) a predetermined figure can be made visible, characterised in that the predetermined figure can be formed by the overlapping (parts of) openings (5, 13) or transparent zones of the elements of a pile. A playing apparatus, comprising a screen and means for selecting elements (2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12) one after another, provided for obtaining a predetermined figure on the screen through a suitable selection of elements, and provided for playing a game that is based on the principle of the game according to this invention.

Abstract: An interlocking three-dimensional solid puzzle having component pieces that can be interlocked into an assembled configuration without any significant internal voids. The component pieces include sliding control mechanisms to control movement of the pieces and are preferably structured such that specific movement of one or more pieces is required before any piece can be removed. The sliding control mechanism preferably includes an array of mating projecting studs and channels on the individual puzzle pieces that cooperate to selectively limit movement of the pieces, and or provide false moves that do not advance assembly and/or disassembly. The present invention provides a new class of interlocking solid puzzles characterized as being challenging to assemble and disassemble while having a lower piece count than comparable existing puzzles.

Abstract: A puzzle block, which includes one first square block, which has magnet at each of the six sides thereof, 6 second square blocks, which has a magnet at each of four sides thereof and a metal sheet at one of the other two sides thereof, 12 third square blocks, which has a magnet at each of two opposite sides thereof and two metal sheets respectively provided at two adjacent sides thereof between the two opposite sides which carry a respective recessed hole, and 8 fourth square blocks, which has a plurality of metal sheets respectively provided at three adjacent sides thereof, wherein the square blocks are attached to one another forming a combination block such that the magnets at the first square blocks respectively attract the metal sheet at each of the second square blocks, the metal sheets at the third square blocks are respectively attracted by the magnets at the second square blocks, and the metal sheets at the fourth square blocks are respectively attracted by the magnets at the third square blocks.

Abstract: A puzzle including a plurality of pieces. Each of the plurality of pieces having a plurality of sides. A plurality of image segments are located on the plurality of sides of the puzzle pieces. The pieces may be coupleable in a predetermined manner to form a plurality of complete images from the plurality of image segments. The image segments that form a particular complete image reside on at least two different planes and at least one of the plurality of pieces having image segments corresponding to at least two of the plurality of complete images.

Abstract: An assembled building block formed by nineteen unit assemblies and a plurality of round holes for forming various geometrical shapes with corners of angles 60 degrees, 90 degrees and 120 degrees. The unit assemblies are formed by 1 and 3 to 6 small units integrally, there are five combination and nineteen sub-combination in the assembling of each unit assembly. The small unit of the unit assemblies is a polygon, and 9˜83 grooves for receiving the small units are formed on the surface of the building block seat. By the unit assemblies 1˜19 to conform to different building block seats, many different assemblies are formed. Moreover, different shapes, such a plane single layers, or a stacked double layers, or a stacked three layers, or pyramids with three to five layers can be formed with the present invention.

Abstract: A three dimensional logical game element has a body formed as a part of a three dimensional member, the body has a plurality of elements with corners whose apexes are removed on sides which are located in planes to be in contact and slide over one another during assembly or disassembly of at least two such elements, the body having at least one fixing member for fixing a position of the logical game element, the fixing member being formed as a projection.

Abstract: A puzzle comprising a first puzzle unit having a semi-cubical first portion pivotally connected to a second semi-cubical portion. The portions are moveable to a closed position wherein the puzzle unit has a cubical shape formed by six walls of equal size. A biasing compression spring acting between the first and second portions urges the puzzle unit portions away from each other about the pivot towards an open position. A first triangular shaped cut-out is defined by the first unit portion and a second triangular shaped cut-out is defined by the second unit portion. The first and second cut-outs are arranged such that when the first and second unit portions are moved into abutting contact, the cut-outs confront each other and define a diamond shaped opening in opposed side walls of the puzzle unit. A first protruding member extends from a side wall of the first unit portion and a second protruding member extends from a corresponding side wall of the second unit portion.

Abstract: A toy puzzle including a plurality of individual pieces that can be assembled into a geometrically solid shape, such as spherical, is provided. In one embodiment, the individual pieces can include a truncated conical base member with a central spindle protruding perpendicularly from the center of the base. The pieces can have truncated conical base members of the same or different sizes. The spindle has metal in at least the end opposite the base that is attracted and held by a magnet. Upon assembly of the plurality of individual pieces, the magnet will be disposed at the center of a resulting object of preselected shape. In an alternate embodiment, a equilateral pyramid may be formed having a triangular base from six identical pieces. In yet another embodiment, a cube can be formed from twelve identical pieces that are also joined to the magnet in the center.

Abstract: A slidable block puzzle game played by maneuvering rectangular blocks in a smooth surfaced box with low walls is hinged to a lid of the same size that contains partitions that enclose each of the rectangular blocks in their initial game-starting position when the lid is closed.

Abstract: A puzzle is provided including a plurality of portions each with an outer surface defining a portion of a three-dimensional geometric figure. Also included is a plurality of grooves and protrusions formed on inner surfaces of the portions for allowing the portions to be releasably coupled such that the outer surfaces defines the geometric figure.

Abstract: A puzzle consisting of several pieces to be assembled to form a structure of predetermined shape or aspect, each piece including at least one tongue or a cut-out into which is to be fitted a tongue of an adjacent piece. Each tongue or cut-out is chamfered with respect to the surface of the piece along a periphery of the tongue or cut-out, and wherein each tongue or cut-out is provided with a counter-chamfer extending along at least a portion of the chamfer of the tongue or cut-out.

Abstract: A puzzle emphasizing its three-dimensional character, through its pieces, final form, transparency, and use of color. The completed puzzle, a transparent colored cube, consists of thirty-eight pieces, which are three-dimensional in character, not merely extruded from two dimensions. The solution and appearance of the puzzle is dependent upon its interior structure of form and color. The completed cube, six units to a side, is formed by six truncated pyramids of color. The completed cube is left with a cubic void, two units to a side, at its center. The base of each pyramid acts as a side of the cube. Pyramids opposite one another are of the same primary color: blue, red, or yellow. Pyramids adjacent to one another are of a different primary color. The appearance of the assembled cube changes drastically from different vantage points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new block puzzles assembly that is comprised of four stacks of a plurality of similar, generally rectangular shaped blocks with circular tenon male attachment part on their closed top face and complementary female attachment part enclosed within their open bottom face, allowing blocks to be releasably held together when assembled in vertical stacks. Each of a pair of side faces of a block have a portion of a first image, each of the other pair of side faces of the same block have a portion of a second image. A first image being produced on a vertical plane when stacks are properly arranged in a generally rectangular shaped stack assembly. A second image being produced when all stacks of same properly arranged stack assembly are turned around their vertical axis.

Abstract: Puzzles characterized by one or a number of sets of visually identical, physically interchangeable, rotatable pieces that either contain magnets with varying north/south orientations embedded in their sides and/or have a mark or markings on one or more of their edges and computer versions of these puzzles. The object of the puzzles is to arrange the pieces in predetermined shapes and sequences in such a manner that the sides of the pieces which are in contact with the sides of other pieces have opposite magnetic poles facing each other so that the pieces attract, rather than repel or, if edge markings are used with or instead of magnets, so that adjacent edge markings comply with specified rules. In addition, the pieces may be all visually identical except for differences in edge markings, if any, or, alternatively, there may be several sets of visually identical pieces, e.g., pink pieces, blue pieces, yellow pieces and orange pieces, which together comprise a puzzle set.

Abstract: A three-dimensional puzzle assembly comprising a structural portion and a decorative portion is described herein. The structural portion includes a plurality of structural elements that may be assembled to form a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The structural elements include first connectors. The decorative portion includes a plurality of decorative elements made of resilient material and provided with a front decorative surface and a reverse surface. The reverse surfaces are provided with at least one second connector configured, positioned and sized to connect with the first connector to therefore removably interconnect the decorative elements and the structural elements. A wall mounting assembly to support a three-dimensional puzzle assembly is also described herein.

Abstract: A puzzle toy device having a plurality of "C"-shaped elements assembled together orthogonally, in three equal groups, to form a cubic structure. Each of the elements is provided with an opening therein to permit another element to pass therethrough. One of the groups of elements are formed together with their respective openings in alignment, while the other two groups of elements are assembled together with their openings alternating with respect to one another. A central link, in the group normal to the aligned openings is provided as a keyway which permits that element, and then subsequent elements to be backed off, thus providing a solution to the puzzle.

Abstract: An enclosure puzzle whose preferred embodiment comprises a primary end cap (31) and a secondary end cap (32) rigidly mounted to face each other across a short distance. Spanning the distance are four rods (44, 45, 47 and 48), including two blocking rods (44 and 48), evenly spaced to form a cage, the rod ends penetrating the caps. Contained within the primary end cap are a primary pendulum (50) and tertiary pendulum (57). A secondary pendulum (52) is contained within the secondary end cap. To unlock the cage, one end of the release rod (45), is withdrawn from end cap (32) when the rod's other end is allowed full penetration of end cap (31). However, such penetration is normally blocked by tertiary pendulum (57).

Abstract: Composing an image from fragments of the image. The fragments of the image and a playing grid (used to define the fragments) are downloaded from a server. The positions of the fragments are shuffled within the grid. The appearance of each fragment is altered to conform to characteristics of the fragment's position or cell within the grid. After displaying an initial configuration of the fragments, one or more fragments are selected and moved to new positions or cells within the grid. In one embodiment, a single fragment is selected and moved to a new cell. In another embodiment, a fragment in one cell is selected. A new cell having another fragment is also selected. The two fragments are swapped between their respective positions or cells. After moving or swapping any fragments, the appearance of a moved or swapped fragment is altered to conform to characteristics (such as the size, shape, and aspect ratio) of the fragment's new position or cell within the grid.

Abstract: Puzzles characterized by one or a number of sets of visually identical, physically interchangeable, rotatable pieces that either contain magnets with varying north/south orientations embedded in their sides and/or have a mark or markings on one or more of their edges and computer versions of these puzzles. The object of the puzzles is to arrange the pieces in predetermined shapes and sequences in such a manner that the sides of the pieces which are in contact with the sides of other pieces have opposite magnetic poles facing each other so that the pieces attract, rather than repel or, if edge markings are used with or instead of magnets, so that adjacent edge markings comply with specified rules. In addition, the pieces may be all visually identical except for differences in edge markings, if any, or, alternatively, there may be several sets of visually identical pieces, e.g., pink pieces, blue pieces, yellow pieces and orange pieces, which together comprise a puzzle set.