Increase Your Puzzle IQ: Tips and Tricks for Building Your Logic Power

John Macdonald is a Toronto-based senior systems engineer specializing
in Unix.

Based on Marcel Danesi’s university course on logic puzzles, and aimed
at the beginning puzzler or “math phobic,” this book promises to
sharpen your wits, build your self-confidence, and increase your success
in IQ tests and college entrance exams.

Danesi begins by categorizing 10 types of puzzle logic: deductive,
truth, trick, arithmetical, algebraic, combinatory, geometrical, code,
time, and paradox. Each chapter contains a how-to section discussing the
features of the puzzle genre under consideration, two examples with
annotated solutions, and a summary of the solving techniques. These
elements are followed by sample puzzles (105 in all, including a Puzzle
IQ Test) and their step-by-step solutions; many readers will find a
refresher course in high-school geometry and algebra essential to
following some solutions.

Danesi’s systematic approach is designed to help puzzlers comprehend
the basic principles and “lines of attack” required in order to be
consistently successful. Unfortunately, there are a few outright errors
(e.g., a count of passing trains omits all of the trains that were
already on the track) and a number of carelessly worded puzzles. The
book in general, and the chapter on paradoxes in particular, is
especially weak on taking the logical opposite of statements. For
example, you cannot negate “Fred always lies” to conclude that
“Fred always tells the truth”; but Danesi does so regularly.
Finally, a number of the puzzles have multiple correct answers, which
could lead the puzzler to conclude that he or she has missed a trick in
the puzzle statement.

For beginning puzzlers, Increase Your Puzzle IQ provides a thorough
treatment of the subject. It’s a pity that the cover does not clearly
suggest the intended audience: the book is likely to disappoint advanced
readers, while beginners who would find it of value might overlook it.