A Beginner's Guide to Playing Numbrix

Ira Bornstein thought he had found his ultimate mental challenge until he stumbled upon Numbrix. As the COO of American Bancard LLC, a Florida-based firm specializing in payment processing solutions, Bornstein was a longtime Sudoku enthusiast. However, in 2008, while browsing Parade magazine, he discovered Numbrix, a weekly numbers and logic puzzle that quickly became his new obsession [source: Bornstein].

Bornstein's passion for Numbrix has grown so intense that his wife often jokes about his dedication. He finds the puzzle both thrilling and rewarding, comparing it to navigating a maze. "As long as there’s a clear path forward and backward, I can keep progressing," he explains, highlighting the game's engaging and strategic nature.

Bornstein finds Numbrix particularly appealing because every puzzle is distinct, offering a sense of achievement that’s often hard to come by in his professional life. "In business, many problems linger without full resolution," he notes. "With Numbrix, the challenge is clear, and whether I succeed or, on rare occasions, fail, it’s all resolved in under 10 minutes."

Discover how and where you can start playing Numbrix by clicking ahead.

Numbrix Instructions and Rules

Bornstein’s discovery of Numbrix in Parade magazine was no accident. The puzzle was created by Marilyn vos Savant, the author of the magazine’s "Ask Marilyn" column, and debuted there in 2008. Today, Numbrix is accessible on the magazine’s website and as an app for iPhones and iPads [source: Parade]. Whether played online or in print, the rules remain consistent and easy to grasp.

At first glance, Numbrix resembles a crossword puzzle with its nine-by-nine grid of mostly empty spaces. However, the similarities end there. Instead of word clues, players are given a few pre-filled numbers between one and 81 to guide their progress.

The objective of Numbrix is straightforward: players must complete the grid by filling in all missing numbers to form an unbroken sequence from one to 81 [source: vos Savant]. The key rule is that numbers must connect vertically or horizontally, with diagonal connections prohibited. Imagine winning the game by drawing a continuous line from one to 81 without lifting your pen, moving only up, down, left, or right. The online version includes a "hint" feature to assist players, but success ultimately relies on memory and logical thinking.

Continue reading to uncover the brilliant mind responsible for Numbrix.

The Genius Creator of Numbrix

Marilyn vos Savant, the creator of Numbrix, holds the distinction of having the highest IQ ever recorded. This remarkable achievement paved the way for her role at Parade magazine. At just 10 years old, the St. Louis native aced the adult Stanford-Binet IQ test, scoring an extraordinary IQ of 228. Decades later, in 1985, Guinness World Records acknowledged her as the holder of the highest recorded IQ, though the category was eventually discontinued due to concerns about the variability of intelligence tests [source: Knight].

For over 20 years, vos Savant has been answering a wide array of reader questions in her "Ask Marilyn" column. These range from whether living at high altitudes increases sunburn risk due to proximity to the sun, to the more controversial query of whether men are inherently smarter than women [source: Parade].

In the early 1990s, vos Savant’s response to the "Monty Hall Dilemma" sparked widespread debate. The scenario involved a game show contestant choosing between three doors, with only one hiding a prize. Vos Savant argued that the host’s hints influenced the odds, contradicting the belief that each door had an equal one-in-three chance. Her explanation, initially met with backlash from Ph.D. mathematicians, was later proven correct, leaving many experts humbled [source: Knight].

Vos Savant designed Numbrix not only for her readers but also for her own enjoyment. "I created the puzzle to provide readers with a stimulating activity that combines logic and memory," she explains. "The true joy for me lies in crafting each puzzle manually—no computer generation—and ensuring each one has a unique solution through meticulous proofing."

Continue reading to discover strategies for solving Numbrix and why it’s more than just a simple game.

Tips for Solving Numbrix and Benefits of Playing

Given that Numbrix was created by a certified genius, it’s no surprise that the game lacks shortcuts or gimmicks for quick solutions. Vos Savant emphasizes that relying on the "hint" button deprives players of a valuable mental workout. She advises taking a deliberate approach, avoiding guesses, and relying solely on logic and memory. "Imagine you’re solving the puzzle in ink," she suggests. "This method enhances fluid intelligence by requiring you to juggle multiple factors simultaneously."

While vos Savant discourages using hints, she does offer one strategy for tackling Numbrix puzzles. "Start by scanning from the lowest to the highest number, filling in any gaps where the placement is obvious. Repeat this process, though the missing numbers will become increasingly harder to identify," she explains.

Ira Bornstein appreciates that vos Savant doesn’t provide shortcuts for solving Numbrix. As a self-proclaimed puzzle purist, he finds satisfaction in solving challenges independently. He also believes that playing Numbrix enhances his skills as a chief operating officer, benefits that would diminish with easy-solving tips for solving the puzzle.

"Interestingly, Numbrix has helped me think non-sequentially at work," he says, describing his strategy of solving easier sections of the grid first before tackling more complex areas. "It’s a reminder that even if a project’s outcome is sequential, the process can be approached in sections without needing to foresee how they’ll connect seamlessly."