- Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), when asked if he was happy
Pyramid Puzzles
| What are Pyramid Puzzles? |
A Pyramid Puzzle is a word game, so named because the solution words are stacked one on top of each other (from shortest to longest) to resemble a pyramid. The topmost (shortest) solution word is anagrammed with one letter added to it to determine the next answer. Then a letter is added to the second solution word and anagrammed for the third answer, and so on. A formula for solving these puzzles might look something like this:(Solution #1 + one letter)Anagrammed = Solution #2
Pyramids usually start with a 2 or 3-letter word and increase to a 10-letter word. Answers can be clued normally or cryptically.
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Here's a Pyramid Puzzle |
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Revolver! Mont Blanc, e.g. Defendant's answer Clears Kind of case Magicians, at times Torturers Emcees' forté Irreverent one |
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ |
These puzzles can be easy or difficult depending on how they are clued and/or whether the answers are common or obscure words. The example above uses common solution words but the clues are not too direct and therefore the puzzle is of medium difficulty.
| Create your own Pyramid Puzzles |
If no acceptable anagram is returned, replace the letter that was removed and delete another letter. Keep trying until you get an acceptable 9-letter word or phrase. Continue this method until you arrive at a 3-letter word. After writing clues, arrange the blanks in a pyramid pattern and voilà! You have a Pyramid Puzzle.
Of course, not every 10-letter word will anagram flawlessly down to a 3-letter word (it's a thrill when it does). In many cases, you'll arrive at a dead-end and have to go back to a previous level and try again. Frequently, you'll have to begin again from scratch. Perseverance is the key to successful puzzle construction.
Continued...
For more sample puzzles and tips and tricks for making your own Pyramid Puzzles,
please go to Page Two of this feature.
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Your comments and suggestions
are welcome and encouraged.
Until next time, HAPPY PUZZLING!
All graphics are © Dave Fisher unless otherwise noted.
