X
X X
X . X
X X X X
X X X X X
I wrote a computer program that solves Triple-Cross , but it runs forever. If anyone knows anything about this puzzle, I'd like to hear from you!
Check out the solution to the Rubik's Tangle. Here again, my program runs for hours. The program found 16 solutions and that's probably all there are. Since there are two identical pieces, there are really only 8 solutions.
Although I had a good start, I stopped working on something called Magic Ball. It is a sphere that looks like a soccer ball. There are 12 5-sided pieces and 20 6-sided pieces. Each piece has either one notch or tab. Piece edges fit together with a tab fitting into a notch, or two notches can fit together. Since there are equal number of notches and tabs, you have to find a combination in which each tab fits into a notch. My program never worked... it was started around 2/26/96.
I really like working with the Tavern Puzzles. They are something you can really grab onto and hold in your hand. My collection is almost complete but here again, there are a couple that I'd be hard pressed to solve in less than an hour.
I've also collected wooden puzzles for many years but I probably don't remember how to solve all of them.. but they are fun fiddle with. The best ones will be shown here someday when I finish the scans.