What is a puzzle card?
…and other frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Puzzle cards are an escape room experience in a birthday card. Some have your friends trapped in a room and using the clues that you seek out, piece together, and solve in the card - to try and escape. Others are more abstract sequences of puzzles that need to be mentally manipulated.
Just like an escape room, they can be solved alone or with friends. They are the perfect accompaniment to a birthday gift. The recipient must solve the puzzle inside to unlock a secret code. They must then tell you the code to receive the gift.
How does the puzzle work?
The card contains a linear sequence of clues (usually following a narrative) that the recipient must solve one at a time. The outcome of the final clue will be the revelation of a secret codeword.
Some of the clues are visual in nature or require pattern recognition and spatial reasoning skills. Others are more language-based with hints and plays on words guiding the way.
If I buy a card for a friend, what do I have to do?
If you’ve bought a card for a friend or family member, here’s what you’ll need to do for them to get the most out of their puzzle card experience:
Remove this instructional insert (containing the secret code).
Give the card to the intended recipient to solve.
Tell them they will not get their gift until they can tell you the code.
Use the included walkthrough to follow along with them and give hints or leave them alone to solve it.
When they give you the code, give them their gift.
What if my recipient can’t solve the card?
If at anytime your recipient gets stuck, they can look on the back of the card. There is a URL link to the Mystery Unfolds website where they can read through a step-by-step walk-through on how to solve the card.
If they’re stuck, they can read through it slowly and learn just enough to get them unstuck.
If they’re not up for the challenge they can get the codeword there too.
What do I get with my card?
When you order a puzzle card online, you will receive:
Puzzle card - containing all the clues and hints you’ll need to solve the puzzle. On the back of each card will be instructions on how to check your solution as well as some blank space. If you are buying the card as a gift, this is where you might write “Happy Birthday Jim - you think you’re pretty clever so we thought we’d hold your birthday gift ransom until you can solve this puzzle.”
Insert(s) - Depending on which card you order, you may receive one or two inserts. These will contain contextual information about the puzzle e.g. “You awake in a dark room and the door is locked…“ as well as information on how long you should take to solve the puzzle.
Envelope - Just large enough (18.5 cm x 13 cm) to fit your puzzle card and inserts inside. In case you want to give the card as a gift.
Can I reuse my card?
In some cases, yes. We try and be as environmentally conscious as possible. Some cards, however, may need to be folded, drawn on, twisted, burnt, or destroyed in the process of solving them.