Triazzle Brainteaser Puzzles Overview

Back in the late 90’s there was a game published called “Triazzle” which we run into a lot at thrift. I would best describe it as a tile-laying game with mechanics from Chinese Checkers. The object is to match triangular tiles across a triangular board, trying to be the first to get to your home base on the opposite side. Colors must be matched and can block opponents. Ultimately, you must fill the home area with another triangle full of your tiles – just like in Chinese Checkers. This is how we became familiar with the Triazzle line.

I state “line” because before the game was made, it was originally a puzzle sold in museums, aquariums and more. These came in dozens of themes and were a take on traditional jigsaw puzzles. Instead of the knob/hole design we’re all accustomed to, these brainteasers used triangles with artwork that was meant to line up with the art on an adjacent piece. Even though they all physically fit into the board, there is only one correct solution to each version.

The first company to publish the puzzles was DaMert, which was named after the original inventor. University Games later became the primary publisher for both the puzzles and the game. This summer you can find these same brainteaser puzzles offered by ThinkFun!

Available in different themes (frogs, butterflies, sea life), these upcoming puzzles are recommended for ages 8+, and more than one person can assist with their construction. The base is constructed of double-thick board and the individual pieces are perfectly die cut out of the top layer. This ensures a true challenge that you can’t overcome just by looking for differences in the fit of the art.

Trying to solve the puzzle is simple. Take any piece and fit it into the board, making sure the insect/animal on the edge matches up with whatever is next to it. All three sides must match, so it isn’t uncommon to work your way through the challenge, only to discover you must back up when you end up with pieces which don’t fit at all.

If you’re the type that likes to keep puzzles for long-term enjoyment, you’ll want to either store these flat or invest in some oversized bags. The puzzles are designed to be kept in the board. However, I believe they will tend to fall apart if shelved like a book. Of course, the puzzle becomes completely unusable once a piece is lost.

Expect the Triazzle Brainteaser Puzzle to be widely available this summer on Amazon, in stores and direct from ThinkFun. Want to be one of the first to try them out? ThinkFun has graciously elected to give away a set of three Triazzle puzzles to one lucky SahmReviews reader. Enter now (and each day) by using the form below!

Triazzle Puzzle Giveaway