The Soma Puzzle Book

A New Approach to the Classic Pieces

A NEW TWIST ON A POPULAR PUZZLE CUBE! Invented by Piet Hein, the Soma cube is one of the most famous mechanical puzzles in the world. The traditional challenge and outcome is to build a cube or other structures from all seven pieces.

CHANGE THE RULES, CHANGE THE OUTCOME! The puzzles in this unique Soma-inspired collection are no longer predicated upon using all seven pieces at one time! By varying the number of pieces, there are many new and versatile puzzle challenges, from all types of recreational mathematics fields. For example, you will find symmetry puzzles, cover-up puzzles, and even fraction puzzles. The chapters are divided according to the number of pieces used; from single-piece puzzles to puzzles requiring a complete set.

WHY USE THE SOMA CUBE? From the moment our creative team changed their rules of engagement for this new collection, the potential puzzle challenges and their solutions became nearly limitless! There is something magical and enchanting in those seven pieces that enabled us to find many puzzles and challenges!

NEW CHALLENGES Most of the puzzles demonstrated within the book are original. Some are based on classic puzzles, as well as more modern ones, modified and presented by using the set of Soma pieces.

LOW COST AND HIGH INTEREST FOR HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT WITH INCREASING COMPLEXITY! This is a unique collection of puzzles — all you need is a set of the Soma cube. The puzzles range from easy to difficult and they appeal to a wide audience — all within the reach of the general public. It presents many geometrical and mathematical principles, and makes them easier to understand. However, no special knowledge in mathematics or geometry is required.

Contents:

• Introduction to the Soma Cube:

  • What is a Soma Cube?
  • The Puzzle and How to Solve It
  • The Pieces Parity
  • How to Use this Book

• Chapter One - Single Piece Puzzles:

  • Hexagon
  • Six Pointed Star
  • The Cork
  • Through the Hole
  • Chapter One Solutions

• Chapter Two - Double Piece Puzzles:

  • Four in Pairs
  • Double Layer
  • Double Triplets
  • Four Out of Six
  • Three Symmetric Pairs
  • V for All!
  • All Symmetric
  • Chapter Two Solutions

• Chapter Three:

  • Two Identical Sets
  • Triplets
  • Three Together!
  • Chapter Three Solutions

• Chapter Four:

  • Hole in a Square
  • A Piece on Top
  • The Double Cube
  • The 3 x 5 Rectangle
  • The Double Heart
  • The Symmetry Quest
  • The Bench
  • Find the Pentominoes!
  • Triple Pentominoes
  • Chapter Four Solutions

• Chapter Five:

  • The Bar
  • The Extra Cube
  • The Altar
  • The 2 x 2 Stamp
  • The Magic-Square Shape
  • Five Times
  • The Double Ten
  • The Small Altar
  • Four Times Pentominoes
  • The Pentomino Cube
  • Chapter Five Solutions

• Chapter Six:

  • The 2 x 3 x 4 Box
  • The (Im)possible 2 x 2 x 6
  • The Complete Hexominoes
  • Symmetry Lines
  • More Symmetry Lines
  • The Extra Large Pentominoes
  • The Missing Cube Shaft
  • The 8 x 3 constructions
  • The 2 x 12 constructions
  • Four of the Same
  • The Surprising Division
  • Chapter Six Solutions

• Chapter Seven:

  • The Impossible Cube
  • The Twins
  • By the Power of Three
  • Fractions!
  • The Symmetric LS
  • The Symmetric CL
  • The Divided Cube
  • The Highest Tower
  • All Stand Up!
  • All Flat!
  • Spacing Squares!
  • Min/Max Space!
  • The Balancing Act
  • Chapter Seven Solutions

• Chapter Eight:

  • The Key Piece Puzzle
  • The Nine V's Puzzle
  • Chapter Eight Solutions

• Appendixes

• Pentominoes

• Hexominoes

Readership: Puzzle and riddle lovers.
Key Features:

• Many new, unique and original puzzles
• A huge collection of 3D puzzles and activities for all ages and levels
• Both educational and fun; highly challenging puzzles