The most common of all Puzzle games include computer versions of board games like "Scrabble" and "Boggle," various card games, quiz games and crossword puzzles. But while all Puzzle games require the player to use skill as well as smarts to solve problems to move the game forward, they are not limited to these old standbys. There are also Action Puzzles, like "Tetris," "Bust-A-Move," "Wordtris" and "Wetrix."

These Action Puzzles generally rely on the manipulation of moving objects within a single screen or play area. There is typically a time limit involved and you usually have to fit/position pieces together as quickly as possible in order to eliminate groups of similar pieces. Since the pieces gradually move faster and faster with the passage of time, these types of games rely upon both quick thinking and sharp reflexes.

Adventure Puzzles, on the other hand, contain many different puzzle types and go beyond a single play area. They frequently involve guiding a group of characters to safety through a series of dangers or having a single character walk through different rooms trying to figure a way out. The time element is not as important as the method used in solving the puzzle, so these games place greater emphasis on thinking than on quick reflexes. Games that would normally be considered "Platform Games" fall into this category, so long as emphasis is placed on puzzle solving rather than upon directly controlling characters. Popular examples of such Adventure Puzzles are "Lemmings," "Humans" and "The Lost Vikings."

Equally popular are Maze Puzzle, which feature labyrinths or interconnecting pathways that challenge the player to guide an object or character through them to reach the other side. Some may feature 3D barriers, enemies or other obstacles that can make the escapade more interesting, as well as more challenging. The player may even be called upon to manipulate the maze itself. "Marble Madness," for example, allows the player to control a marble world while navigating mazes of his own design. So if your strengths include problem solving and quick thinking, start playing Puzzle Games!