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 ItThe Pieces ParityHow to Use this BookChapter One — Single Piece Puzzles:HexagonSix Pointed StarThe CorkThrough the HoleChapter One SolutionsChapter Two — Double Piece Puzzles:Four in PairsDouble LayerDouble TripletsFour Out of SixThree Symmetric PairsV for All!All SymmetricChapter Two SolutionsChapter Three:Two Identical SetsTripletsThree Together!Chapter Three SolutionsChapter Four:Hole in a SquareA Piece on TopThe Double CubeThe 3 x 5 RectangleThe Double HeartThe Symmetry QuestThe BenchFind the Pentominoes!Triple PentominoesChapter Four SolutionsChapter Five:The BarThe Extra CubeThe AltarThe 2 x 2 StampThe Magic-Square ShapeFive TimesThe Double TenThe Small AltarFour Times PentominoesThe Pentomino CubeChapter Five SolutionsChapter Six:The 2 x 3 x 4 BoxThe (Im)possible 2 x 2 x 6The Complete Hexominoes Symmetry LinesMore Symmetry LinesThe Extra Large Pentominoes The Missing Cube ShaftThe 8 x 3 constructionsThe 2 x 12 constructionsFour of the SameThe Surprising DivisionChapter Six SolutionsChapter Seven:The Impossible CubeThe TwinsBy the Power of ThreeFractions!The Symmetric LSThe Symmetric CLThe Divided CubeThe Highest TowerAll Stand Up!All Flat!Spacing Squares!Min/Max Space!The Balancing ActChapter Seven SolutionsChapter Eight:The Key Piece PuzzleThe Nine V's PuzzleChapter Eight SolutionsAppendixesPentominoesHexominoes
Readership: Puzzle and riddle lovers.Puzzle;Soma;Geometry;Symmetry;Recreational Mathematics0Key Features:Many new, unique and original puzzlesA huge collection of 3D puzzles and activities for all ages and levelsBoth educational and fun; highly challenging puzzles

David Goodman