Square Puzzles are of endless variety. Four of these are shown, all simple to make, but not equally simple to solve. The only material required for each is a 5-ins. square piece of 1⁄8-in. fretwood or plywood; or, if preferred, pieces of different colour may be used. The diagrams are given exactly half size, and the lines may be set out direct on the wood. It will be noticed that all four puzzles are strictly geometrical in character.

Fig. 397.—Six-piece Square Puzzle. (For Guidance in Setting Out, the Centre of Top Line is marked at A.) Fig. 398.—Five-piece Square Puzzle. (In Setting Out, note that the Angles B B are Right Angles.)
Fig. 399.—Ten-piece Square Puzzle. (For Guidance in Setting Out, the Centre of the Four Outlines are lettered at C, C, C, C.) Fig. 400.—Six-piece Square Puzzle. (The Centres of the Four Outlines are lettered at D, D, D, D.)

[Fig. 397] is made up of six pieces and is the simplest of the group to solve. Although containing only five pieces, [Fig. 398] will be found to give more trouble.

[Fig. 399], with ten pieces, is undoubtedly the most trying puzzle, and will be found as baffling as many jig-saw pictures. [Fig. 400], again, presents only moderate difficulties.

If the reader prefers, he may cut the squares to the size illustrated instead of enlarging them.

Fig. 401.—Blind Dovetail Puzzle Joint (see page 199).