Random House World-Class Puzzles

Book excerpt: Since 1992, more than 25 countries have sent teams to the annual World Puzzle Championship—a global competition for puzzle supremacy and international bragging rights. The puzzles are created by top constructors of many nationalities, with an emphasis on visual, math, logic, and observation skills. All puzzles at these competitions are language- and culture-neutral, making them ideal for people of any background. This book contains nearly 70 puzzles from the 12th World Puzzle Championship, held in the Netherlands, as well as a complete US Puzzle Championship test, used to select members of the US and Canadian teams. Along with favorites such as Sudoku, Battleships, Paint by Numbers, Cross Sums, and observation puzzles, you'll find a fascinating array of less familiar puzzle varieties, including some you may never have seen before. After you master them, visit the official Team USA Web site at wpc.puzzles.com. The annual online qualifying test is open to everyone!