This portion of our web guide focuses on puzzles and maze games intended to test the player's ingenuity.

The history of puzzles dates back to ancient civilizations. One of the earliest puzzles was the Tangram, a Chinese dissection puzzle that originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Jigsaw puzzles came about much later. The first known jigsaw puzzles were invented by John Spilsbury, a Londoner, in the 1760s. A mapmaker and engraver by trade, he mounted maps on wood and cut them into small pieces to create a tool for teaching geography.

Mazes also have ancient roots. An early example is the Labyrinth of Crete, which was associated with the myth of the Minotaur. Several cultures have used mazes for meditative and spiritual purposes. In medieval times, labyrinths were created in churches and gardens.

Although they weren't the first tabletop puzzles, jigsaws are the most commonly known. Today's jigsaw puzzles usually consist of small, irregularly shaped pieces that fit together to form a complete picture. They come in various themes, sizes, and complexities.

Solving logic puzzles requires reasoning and critical thinking. Examples include Sudoku, crosswords, and brainteasers like the Rubik's Cube.

3D puzzles add another layer of complexity. These puzzles involve three-dimensional structures, often replicating famous buildings or landmarks. Examples include 3D crystal puzzles and mechanical puzzles like the Soma cube.

Maze puzzles can be drawn on paper, printed in books, or created as physical models. Maze puzzles are often found in newspapers and restaurant placemats. They involve finding a path from a starting point to an endpoint, often with multiple possible routes and dead ends.

Escape room games are tabletop versions of physical escape rooms that involve solving a series of puzzles and challenges to escape a fictional scenario. They combine aspects of logic puzzles, mazes, and storytelling.

Today's puzzles and mazes are sometimes printed on paper or made from various materials, such as cardboard, wood, and plastic, as well as in digital formats.

Puzzles and mazes are popular leisure activities for individuals and groups. They provide hours of fun and engagement and are a satisfying way to spend time alone or with family. They are also used to develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and logical thinking. They are used in educational settings, particularly in teaching mathematics, language arts, and science. Engaging in puzzles and mazes can also help to improve mental health by reducing stress and providing a sense of accomplishment. These games stimulate the brain, which can be helpful for older adults.

While solving puzzles and mazes is often a solitary activity, many are designed to be played by groups of people. These activities encourage teamwork, communication, and social bonding. Family game nights can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.

Large-scale people-sized adaptations of mazes and puzzles should be submitted to the Local & Global categories, which represent their physical locations. Still, it seems reasonable to mention them here.

Corn mazes are large outdoor attractions typically found in fields of corn. Visitors navigate the intricate pathways, which are often designed with themes or patterns visible from above. They are popular in autumn.

Escape rooms are large-scale versions of tabletop escape room games, or the tabletop games are miniature versions of escape rooms; I'm not sure. In the larger version, participants are locked in a themed room and must solve a series of puzzles and riddles within a set time to "escape" or win the game. These games encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and quick thinking.

This category highlights tabletop puzzles and mazes and includes online resources for these activities. However, retail or e-commerce sites should be listed in the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce category.

Recommended Resources

Search for Puzzles & Mazes on Google or Bing