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[Interesting] Collection of Matchstick Quiz Problems
When it comes to moving or adding matchsticks to reach a specified answer, “matchstick puzzles” are a classic type of quiz.
In this article, we’ve gathered a collection of fun matchstick puzzle problems!
They may seem simple, but solving them actually requires flexible thinking and flashes of insight.
That’s why they’re so addictive—once you start, both kids and adults can’t help but get hooked!
If you’re “looking for interesting matchstick puzzle problems” or “want to discover a variety of matchstick puzzles,” be sure to check these out.
Play with friends or teammates, and it’s guaranteed to be a blast!
[Interesting] Collection of Matchstick Quiz Problems (1–10)
Make 4 triangles using 4 matchsticks.
The puzzle that asks you to make four triangles using four matchsticks is a classic matchstick riddle.
The key to solving it is to create small triangles within a larger triangle.
First, place one matchstick horizontally.
Then, shifted to the left, use two matchsticks to form a triangle.
Finally, place another matchstick so that it passes between the triangles and its tip touches the right end of the horizontal matchstick.
This will give you two large triangles and two small triangles!
Move the specified number of sticks to make a correct equation.
One popular genre of matchstick puzzles involves moving a specified number of sticks to make an equation correct.
For example, consider this problem: there’s an incorrect equation made with matchsticks, 5−8=6.
How can you make it a correct equation by moving just one matchstick? If you think of the digits as digital-style numbers, you should be able to find the answer.
It has a bit of a mathematical element, so it’s also great as part of your child’s studies!
A tricky and fun matchstick puzzle
Sometimes you just feel like tackling a tricky matchstick puzzle, right? Here’s a recommended one: turn six into one.
The premise is very simple—move six matchsticks to make “one.” Of course, you’re not allowed to burn or break them.
The answer is to arrange them to form the characters for “one stick” (i.e., the written phrase).
It’s easy to get once you read it, but it’s surprisingly hard when asked aloud.
You can also adapt this puzzle to create other characters or words.
Try making your own original version and challenge others with it!
Make 10 matchsticks out of 7 without bending or breaking them!
When you’re out and about, there are times you suddenly want a quick matchstick puzzle to pass the time.
This is especially great if you have kids and want them to stay calm.
But if the puzzle is too complicated, it’s hard to even remember the question.
Here’s a recommended one: Without breaking or splitting them, how can you turn 7 matchsticks into 10? The answer is: arrange the matchsticks to form the kanji that reads as “10 sticks.” The solution is simple, so it’s easy to remember.
Without changing the number of strokes, change “yama” (mountain) to “nohara” (field).
Among matchstick puzzles, some of you might enjoy those that require a bit of wit.
One I’d like to introduce is a puzzle that turns “mountain” into “field.” You start with the kanji 山 (yama, meaning “mountain”) made from six matchsticks.
The question is: how can you move these six sticks to make “field”? You must use all the matchsticks.
The correct answer is to arrange them as the katakana characters ノハラ (Nohara).
If you borrow this idea of switching to katakana, you could probably create your own original puzzles too!
Would you add one? Or move one?
In many matchstick puzzles, you remove or move matchsticks.
But if the problems are always the same, you might get bored.
In that case, it’s also fun to mix in puzzles where you add matchsticks.
For example, take the number 30 made with matchsticks.
There’s a puzzle that says: Add matchsticks to make the name of a Japanese prefecture.
You might figure out the answer if you look at the number sideways.
There are lots of other puzzles too, so be sure to check them out.
A quiz about taking the trash out of the dustpan
A new staple in matchstick puzzles is the one where you remove the trash from a dustpan.
You place the matchsticks in a T shape, then add two at the tip to make a U shape.
If you draw a circle in the middle of the U, it looks like a dustpan with trash in it.
The challenge is to move two matchsticks to remove the trash.
The solution is to rearrange the matchsticks so the dustpan is upside down.
There are various versions of the dustpan-type puzzle, so be sure to check them out.
Move two sticks to make two houses.
Arrange matches into a square and add a triangle on top.
It looks like a little house, right? Now line up four of these.
From this setup, how do you move two matches to make it into two houses? By the way, you can’t break or remove any matches.
The answer is to connect the roofs and combine two houses into one.
If you actually try it, you’ll see it clearly looks like two houses.
Since it’s mainly a trompe-l’oeil style puzzle, even small children can solve it.
Move one stick to make the number half.
A figure of the number 10 is drawn using eight matchsticks.
How can you move one stick to cut the number in half? First, look at the number sideways.
Then, if you move the left edge of the 0, it turns into the letter S, right! Some people might find it confusing that eight matchsticks are used.
In that case, it might be better to adjust it so that ten matchsticks are used as well.
Be sure to remember this and try quizzing your friends and family!
Move two sticks to remove all the triangles.
This is a classic matchstick puzzle.
There are three triangles made from three matchsticks each.
By moving two of the nine matchsticks, how can you eliminate the three triangles? At first glance, it seems impossible.
The key lies in the arrangement of the three triangles.
Take two matchsticks from the middle triangle and use them to form a minus sign and an equals sign.
This creates the equation: triangle − triangle =, which implies there are no triangles.
It has a riddle-like element, so you need flexible thinking to figure it out!