matchstick puzzle logo matchstick PUZZLE OF THE DAY

11 Plus 11 Is Not 8

Move 2 matchsticks to make the equation correct.

MORE MATCHSTICK PUZZLES...

MAR
14
#554

11 Plus 11 Is Not 8

Move 2 matchsticks to make the equation correct.

MAR
13
#553

863 to the Lowest

Move 2 matchsticks to get the lowest 3-digit POSITIVE number.

MAR
12
#552

Broken Triangle

There are one triangle and one trapezium in this figure. Move 2 matchsticks to make two triangles and two trapeziums. Overlapping is allowed. ____________ *by Serhiy Grabarchuk Jr

MAR
11
#551

Spiral to 4 Squares

Move 4 matchsticks to get 4 squares out of this spiral.

MAR
10
#550

Triangle to a Perfect Square

Move 1 matchstick to get a perfect square.

MAR
09
#549

2 Triangles to 3

Move 2 matchsticks to get 3 triangles so that each of them contains the coin.

MAR
08
#548

Turning the Boat

Move 4 matchsticks so that the boat is sailing in another direction but the apple is still within the boat's shape. ____________ *by Serhiy Grabarchuk Jr

MAR
07
#547

3 Squares to 3 Rectangles

Move 1 matchstick to get three rectangles with the ratio 1:2.

MAR
06
#546

Six Into 2

Using 2 matchsticks, divide the stylized "six" figure into two parts of the same area and shape.

MAR
05
#545

4 Minus 7 Is Not 6

Move 2 matchsticks to make the equation correct. No overlapping allowed.

MAR
04
#544

4 Triangles to 8

There are 4 triangles in this figure. Move 1 matchstick to get 8 triangles. ____________ *by Serhiy Grabarchuk Jr

MAR
03
#543

2 Plus 8 Is Not 9

Move 1 matchstick to make the equation correct.

MAR
02
#542

Arrow to the Right

Move 4 matchsticks to make the arrow turned in the opposite direction.

MAR
01
#541

From 4 Sq Units to 3

Move 4 matchsticks to reduce the area from 4 sq units to just 3 sq units, leaving the shape's width intact.

FEB
28
#540

Hourglass to a Heart

Move 3 matchsticks to convert this shape of an hourglass into the shape of a heart. ____________ *by Serhiy Grabarchuk

FEB
27
#539

4 Triangles from One

Move 2 matchsticks to get 4 triangles. Overlapping is allowed.

FEB
26
#538

Coin into the House

Move 3 matchsticks to get the coin inside the house. The house's shape must remain as the initial one.

FEB
25
#537

Divide the Factory

Using 3 matchsticks, divide this stylized shape of a factory into two parts of the same area each.

FEB
24
#536

24 Up

Move 1 matchstick to get the highest possible number. ____________ *by Serhiy Grabarchuk Jr

FEB
23
#535

PAN - v2

Move 1 matchstick to get another valid word.

FEB
22
#534

5 Plus 1 Is Not 2 - v2

Move just 2 matchsticks to make the equation correct.

FEB
21
#533

PAN

Remove 1 matchstick to get another valid word.

FEB
20
#532

KING

Move 1 matchstick to get another valid word.

FEB
19
#531

Get the Coin Inside

Move 3 matchsticks to get the coin inside the shape, preserving the shape's original form, though it might be mirrored.

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Puzzles with matchsticks are very popular today among both children and adults. They help a person develop logical thinking and attentiveness. Matchstick logic problem can be very different. Basically, the tasks require you to create some kind of image, number or geometric figure.


Matchstick modeling develops thinking. The main highlight of such problems is that the answer is usually not obvious. Moreover, sometimes at first glance it seems that it is impossible to solve the puzzle at all. It takes at least a few minutes of thinking in your head or with a pencil. Obviously, such exercises are useful for “pumping up” logic and developing spatial thinking in a child.


Matchstick riddles influence the imagination. By imagining what would happen if we move this or that matchstick, we develop the “imagination center” inside our brain. Matchstick puzzles improve short-term memory. This is especially true for those who solve such problems in their head, remembering intermediate results. Spending time solving puzzles encourages attentiveness and perseverance. Last but not least - concentration plays a key part as well.


Challenging yourself to solve a matchstick puzzle in the shortest timespan boosts your self-esteem. And then, challenging yourself to solve a really difficult problem, we feel more confident and stop giving in to difficulties ahead.


Our constantly expanding collection of interactive matchstick puzzles comes in different difficulty levels, making them suitable for both adults and children. You can return to your favorite puzzles many times and share them with friends and dear ones.


How to solve matchstick puzzles? It is clear that in each specific case the approach differs, but there are still general recommendations. The hint is often contained in the problem’s objective itself, so you need to read it very carefully. Analyze whether there is a “double bottom” or a catch in it. Prepare for the fact that the solution is not trivial - otherwise the task would not be called a puzzle. Often you need to move 1 matchstick to get one or another figure or a certain number of figures. Don't forget: several small shapes (for example, squares) can make up a large one. Take your time. Don't focus on getting through the exercise quickly. Consider your options carefully.


As a pleasant bonus, we would like to draw your attention to 7 interesting facts about matchstick production:

- a match that ends up in sea water will decompose within six months;

- the best material for making matches is aspen;

- the first matchboxes were made of metal;

- there are more than 100 types of matches in the world;

- about 30 billion matchboxes are produced annually on the planet;

- on average there are approximately 40 matches in a box. In the 19th century, the number reached 60 pieces;

- it turns out that an ordinary match can save a person from death if he is bitten by a poisonous karakurt spider. To do this, the bite site must be cauterized as quickly as possible, as a result of which the poison will disintegrate and will not pose any threat to the human.