The puzzle apparatus of the present invention presents a challenging logic-based puzzle wherein the user attempts to arrange tiles within one or more chambers until a particular predetermined pattern is achieved (the solution). The apparatus and game play methodology of the present invention differs from that in the prior art in that as the tiles are slid from one matrix column to another the moved tile covers the existing tile located in the matrix column the moving tile is being traveling toward, while the matrix column the moving tile is exiting replaces the moving tile with one located directly underneath it in the matrix column thereby cause a new, unknown tile to replace the moving tile. This added dimension makes it very challenging to arrange the tiles to display a predetermined pattern and achieve the solution. The major elements consist of rigid housing creating a matrix of columns (also referred to as chambers), each chamber containing a base piece attached to a compression spring, multiple sliding tiles, and retaining buttons. The slidable and stackable tiles are interchangeable and relatively arrangeable to produce a solution to the puzzle. The solution includes a predetermined pattern as viewable by the user when looking generally toward the opening of the housing. A method for solving a puzzle in accordance with the invention is also provided.