Why We Enjoy Puzzles
Crosswords, logic games and number puzzles have stayed popular despite the growth of digital games. One reason, psychologists say, is the sense of (17) ________ we feel after solving a hard problem. A puzzle gives us a clear goal, often within a short period of time, and progress can usually be measured with unusual (18) ________. Good puzzles create a balance between difficulty and (19) ________. If the answer is obvious, players soon lose interest; if it seems completely (20) ________, they may give up. Designers test puzzles with real users and often make small (21) ________ before release. Many people also enjoy the brief (22) ________ from daily worries that a puzzle gives them. Online games have added a social side, letting players compare results or work (23) ________ on a challenge. Although no one needs to solve puzzles, their lasting (24) ________ shows that set problems can satisfy a basic human curiosity.