Test Your Skills: Try These Gerrymandering Logic Puzzles

Earlier today, a series of gerrymandering logic puzzles were presented to challenge enthusiasts of electoral strategy. The objective is to determine the unique electoral maps in which the minority colour wins the most regions. Each puzzle involves a grid, divided into various regions, where a region is defined as a contiguous block of cells connected either horizontally or vertically.

The puzzles were designed by Brady Forrest, also known as Deckard, who has been active in creating engaging puzzles since 2015. His work encourages logical thinking and problem-solving, making it accessible to a wide audience. For those interested, solutions to each puzzle are provided at the end of the article.

Understanding the Puzzles

The first puzzle is classified as easy. Participants must divide a grid into five regions, each containing five cells. The aim is for the minority colour, purple, to win the majority of these regions.

The second puzzle offers a medium level of difficulty, requiring the division of a grid into five regions of ten cells each. Again, purple must secure the majority, but this time, no ties are permitted in any region.

The third and hardest puzzle involves dividing the grid into seven regions of seven cells. In this scenario, blue, the minority colour, must win the majority of regions without any ties for first place.

For those who prefer to solve these puzzles on paper, a printable version is available alongside additional bonus puzzles. Interactive versions are also accessible online for a more engaging experience.

Exploring the Impact of Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering, the practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries, can significantly influence election outcomes. These puzzles serve not only as a mental challenge but also as a reflection of the complexities involved in electoral politics.

In a related note, Brady Forrest recently shared a fascinating fact from his new book, Football School Facts. It highlights former Premier League player Gerry Taggart, who is one of only four players to have been sent off on their birthdays. This unique statistic showcases the intriguing intersection of sports and trivia, further emphasized in the book aimed at readers aged seven to one hundred seven.

The book, which is available in full colour and hardback at the Guardian Bookshop, is part of a long-running series co-authored by Ben Lyttleton. It promises to be an excellent gift for anyone interested in football facts and curiosities.

For puzzle lovers and those interested in the intricacies of gerrymandering, these challenges offer an engaging way to explore a complex subject while enjoying the stimulating world of logic puzzles.