Pen and paper puzzle games were once a popular way of passing the time. The rise of digital gaming has seen sales of traditional puzzle books and newspapers plummet. However, the puzzles themselves haven’t died. Despite the rise of new digital brainteasers like Wordle and Tetris, the classics continue to thrive, but now in online form.
The advantage of playing these games online is that many of them are free. Not having the mess of erasers and paper also makes them more versatile - so long as you have your smartphone, you can play them anywhere.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most iconic old-skool puzzle games and where to play them online.
Crosswords
The quintessential word puzzle, the crossword, was invented in 1913 by Arthur Wynne in the New York World. Originally named a ‘word-cross’, the first crossword puzzle took the form of a diamond with the word ‘FUN’ already filled in for the reader. Arthur Wynne’s creation became a roaring success and a newspaper puzzle staple.
How to play
The aim of a crossword is to fill in all the blank squares with letters in order to form specific words. Clues are provided to help you work out what the words are and corresponding numbers instruct you as to where to start these words.
These puzzles are a test of vocabulary, general knowledge and deduction. They come in a range of different difficulties.
Where to play online
There are countless crossword sites that you can explore to give this puzzle a go. Many news publications like the New York Times also publish their daily/weekly crosswords through their online site.
Online crosswords often add features like timers to help you improve your speed. You can also easily change letters if you accidentally type the wrong one.
Word Searches
The word search is another classic pen and paper puzzle invented in 1968 by Norman E Gibat. The first ever word search challenged players to find cities within Oklahoma. These puzzles quickly became popular - particularly within schools as a fun educational tool.
How to play
Word searches consist of a grid of letters in which players must look for words. In some cases, the words are provided, while in other cases, players are simply given a theme. Words can be spelled out horizontally, vertically or diagonally - and in some cases both forwards and backwards.
These puzzles are all about pattern recognition. They can also improve spelling skills.
Where to play online
Like crosswords, you’ll find many word searches online through sites like 247 Games and Arkadium. There are also word search apps that you can download that have tons of different puzzles. This includes apps aimed at children with simpler word searches.
Sudokus
The most well-known number puzzle is the sudoku. American architect, Howard Garns, is credited with inventing the first sudoku in 1979, which he titled as ‘number place’. It wasn’t initially a success until it was introduced to Japan in 1984, where it got the name ‘sudoku’.
How to play
Sudoku puzzles require you to fill in missing numbers on a 9 x 9 grid. The grid is separated into nine 3 x 3 subgrids. Each row, column and subgrid must contain the numbers 1 to 9 only once. By looking at what numbers are already filled in, it’s possible to work out the remaining numbers.
Regularly solving sudokus is a great way to build logical reasoning skills. The puzzles can also test short term memory.
Where to play online
There are so many different sites dedicated to sudokus. Various apps also contain numerous sudokus - many of these apps have timers and allow you to easily change numbers within the grid.
Noughts and Crosses
Known as ‘tic-tac-toe’ in the US, this puzzle has been traced back as far as the Roman Empire. It was widely popular in the Middle Ages, with some attempts being made to ban it due to pagan associations. In 1858, the first printed version of this puzzle was created and titled ‘Noughts and Crosses’.
How to play
Noughts and Crosses requires two players. Each player takes their turn to mark their symbol (an ‘X’ or ‘0’) within one of the squares in the grid. A player wins if they get three symbols in a row.
This is a simple game played among kids that is great for improving strategy building skills.
Where to play online
You can play Noughts and Crosses against other human players or against a computer via various online sites and apps.
Dots and Boxes
Dots and Boxes is thought to have originated in the 19th century as ‘La Pipopipette’. It is another popular two player pen and paper puzzle that is all about strategy and claiming territory.
How to play
You can play Dots and Boxes on different sized grids - with 5x5 being the best option for beginners. Players take turns to draw a vertical or horizontal line connecting two of the dots (no diagonal lines). When a player completes a square, they claim it, and then get another turn. The game ends when all possible lines are drawn and the player with the most boxes wins.
It’s a surprisingly strategic game that requires you to carefully think ahead.
Where to play online
There are many online sites where you can play this game such as CoolMathGames and Math Playground, as well as apps that allow you to challenge friends
Spot the Difference
This puzzle game has been a staple in newspapers and puzzle books since the early 20th century. What began as drawings has evolved into edited photographs. Spot the Difference remains one of the most popular kids puzzles and is often found in activity books and on children’s menus in restaurants.
How to play
The rules of Spot the Difference are very simple: compare the two images and try to spot as many differences as possible. You’ll usually be told how many differences you need to find.
Where to play online
You can play Spot the Difference online via various sites such as SpotTheDifference and Hidden4Fun. There are also many apps that contain Spot the Difference games.
