Decoding the genome puzzle

Mar 31, 2013 - ARUP KAVAN

Here is another 8-piece brain teaser from thinktank games that’s pure pleasure. The Lindt thins-like pieces fit snugly into a tray. Colourful DNA strands need to match up colour-perfect to each of the adjoining pieces.

The one remaining 9th square, wherever you choose to deploy it on the 3x3 grid, must also match up on all linked sides.
There is a quiet intensity about Link that is intriguing. It takes a moment to absorb rules of play. Fairly quickly, you can get into a position where it seems you’re nearly there. And then, with just two pieces to set in place, it’s clear you’re not! Where should the 9th square without the piece on it, figure in your solution? Should you start from the corners? Should you work your way from one side and go diagonally across the grid? There is no solution guide in the box, and I haven’t been able to figure it yet, so I’m not sure how to map the genome.
The colours in Link are lovely. The pieces have a great feel. The fact that colours quickly match up gives you a heady but misguided sense of achievement. At `299 Link is remarkable value for money. When I recently showed someone the incredible Rory’s Story Cubes, his only response was to show me the app on his iPad. He didn’t roll the die, or experience the magic of the storytelling cubes. I fear it will go the same way with Link. Seen but not experienced!

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