Confounded by numbers

Aug 26, 2012 - ARUP KAVAN

Thinktank Games proudly proclaim on their back-of-box narrative, the fiendishly complex nature of their brain teaser collection. For just `349, I picked up volume 12 of their enormous library of titles — Numerology is all they promised. It’s late at night after a long day at work. I’m in a strange guest house, in a city away from home, stumped completely by this 18-piece puzzle!

The one-side-black-one-side-red domino-like tiles make for two compelling puzzles. It’s little consolation that the instructions suggest an hour’s time for a solution. Give me three, and I doubt I’d be any closer than I am right at this moment. Game 1 needs me to build a 6x6 grid where each horizontal line is a correct mathematical expression. I got to line 2, and many hours later, not the tiniest bit further. Fiendish is right!
Numerology has a great feel to it with its dramatic, larger-than-life graphic styling. Sudoku worshippers will realise they’ve had it easy. The math ability Numerology requires is rudimentary. What is needed is absolute focus. With 6 lines to build, a distracted mind doesn’t have a chance. Retirement is imminent.
The author may be contacted at arup_kavan@yahoo.com

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