Puzzles can be classified into different categories. Most people probably don’t care, but collectors like to do that to keep a good overview of their puzzle collection . A great list of the most used classification schemes can be found on the website of Rob Steggman.



When I create new puzzles I always use following criteria, to determine if a concept could make it into a SmartGame:

-SmartGames can be played by 1 player

-SmartGames have many challenges that become increasingly harder

-There is much variation between the different challenges

-SmartGames have few game rules

-SmartGames are simple to set up and fun to manipulate

-The solution can be found quicker if a player uses logic

-SmartGames have challenges with uniques solutions (although there a few exceptions on this rule)



Because of these criteria, some classes of puzzles will never be SmartGames. The most important reason for this is that most existing puzzles only have 1 or a few challenges. It’s what differentiates “brainteasers” from the “puzzles with multiple challenges”. So jigsaw puzzles, take-apart puzzles, tanglement puzzles, tricks, etc will probably never make it into a SmartGame although they are of course also classified as puzzles.



My own classification scheme is not based on how the puzzle looks like or what kind of materials are used, but on the kind of actions the player uses to solve it.



FILL UP THE GRID PUZZLES (PACKING PROBLEMS)

The main object of each challenge is to fit all puzzle pieces within a grid or game board. The order in which the pieces are placed on the grid is not important. You don’t know how the solution will look like, you only know that the end position of the puzzle pieces should meet some extra requirements.



•IQ-Twist: puzzle pieces can only be placed on top of pegs of the same color

•IQ-Fit: each puzzle piece has 2 different sides (with a different number of ball shapes), all pieces should fit and all holes should be covered.

•IQ-Link: pieces can be linked to each other, so that parts of different puzzle pieces can occupy the same place on the grid

•IQ-Steps: pieces can overlap each other, making this the only puzzle in this category where the order in which you place the piece is important.

•Quadrillion: game board can be transformed to create an unlimited number of challenges

•IQ-Blox: the white little walls on the game board limit the number of possible placements for the puzzle pieces.

•IQ-Candy: the elliptical pins on the game board prevent the placement of puzzle pieces in a specific orientation

•IQ-XOXO: only the O-shapes fit over the little domes of the game board.

•IQ-Focus: fit all puzzle pieces on the game board so that the colors in the central square match the challenge.

•RoadBlock: police cars should block the red car

•Troy and Walls & Warriors: walls should surround the blue knights and exclude the red knights

•Camouflage/Airport/AquaBelle: artwork on the transparent puzzle pieces should be combined with artwork on the challenge card

•BrainCheeser: the edge of puzzle pieces should form holes, without overlapping the mice

•Noah’s Ark: puzzle pieces with the same animal should be next to each other

•Penguins on Ice: puzzle pieces can be transformed, some penguins should end up in specific positions

•Anaconda: puzzle pieces should form a snake from head to tail

•Hide & Seek Safari/Pirates/Jungle/WaterWorld/Pirates JR/Busy Bugs: the puzzle pieces should leave some figures on the game board uncovered

•Trucky 3: Fit a specific set of puzzle pieces inside 1, 2 or 3 grids (trucks)

•Three Little Piggies: fit the 3 puzzle pieces on the game board so that the piggies are inside/outside the houses (this depends on whether there is also a wolf or not).

•Penguins Parade: when all puzzle pieces are placed, the penguins should form a straight line.

•Penguins Pool Party: Cover the game board with ice, except for the penguins in the water. If there are fewer than 4 penguins, some places will stay empty (but you don’t know where).