Saturday, July 24, 2010

Puzzle Games Would Be The Initial Entertainment Source Nowadays

By Maria Lee

The most basic definition for puzzle games would be logistical problems requiring using applied ideas to solve for the answer. There are several puzzles, in fact, that are so complex that those in the mathematics field consider them more then just a game. If a solution to one of these mathematics problems can be found then it is regarded as a significant contribution to the study of this field.

The solutions to the puzzle games usually are never easy and while some may require figuring out a simple pattern others can require the solver to put something in the correct order before the answer can be found.

Not all people are good puzzle solvers either. Those that primarily use inductive reasoning tend to do better solving puzzles involving patterns and ordering whole those with heightened abilities in the ares of deduction will often times fair better with puzzles requiring inquiry and discover to find the answer.

This history of puzzle games can be traced all the way back to the 1700's. John Spilsbury created the first jigsaw puzzle in 1760 to aid in teaching geography to students and until the 1800's this was the primary use for jigsaw puzzles.

Newspapers started using puzzles in early 20th century to draw in additional readers. Puzzles were printed in the papers for peoples enjoyment. I think we have all heard of the infamous Sunday crossword puzzle, right?

Popular puzzle game inventors include Martin Gardner, Will Shortz and Sam Loyd. These are some of the more recognizable names in the market. But there are dozens of others that may be included on this list.

Martin Gardner, the man who apparently coined the term "mathemagician", ran the "Mathematical Games" column from 1956 to 1981. He published over 70 books in addition to all of this.

Will Shortz started his career in puzzle creating at the Penny Press Magazine. From 1989 to 1993 he was the editor of Games Magazine and is the founder of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament that was started back in 1978. In 1992 he also created the World Puzzle Championships. He is also the director for the united states Puzzle Team.

Sam Loyd is most remember as a chess player and at one time was ranked 15th in the world. He liked to create chess puzzles with funny themes. While he was a great chess player in his day many experts say his playing skills were flawed because of the fact that he liked to create elaborate combination's instead of simplifying his moves in an effort to win. Until his death in 1911 he claimed to have invented the "fifteen puzzle" but it is believed now that he only modified an existing puzzle instead.

Puzzle are well liked for so many years that today we see them as the inspiration for a number of video games. Tetris and Resident Evil are both very popular video games that are puzzle based. Letter and word games may also be used frequently in school systems as teaching tools and have proven quite effective in doing so.

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