Today, a challenging puzzle has caught the attention of academic mathematicians. Before diving into the solution, take a moment to make a guess – the answer may surprise you.
The puzzle involves Andrew and Barbara, who are engaged in a game with fifteen boxes arranged in a grid. Prizes are hidden in two randomly selected boxes. Andrew will search the boxes row by row in the order of ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO, while Barbara will search column by column in the order of AFKBGLCHMDINEJO.
The question at hand is, if Andrew and Barbara open their boxes simultaneously each turn, who is more likely to find a prize first: Andrew, Barbara, or are they equally likely?
The solution has been revealed, and it turns out that the puzzle was originally posed by Timothy Chow in 2010. Similar problems have sparked discussions among top mathematicians, adding to the intrigue of the challenge.
For those interested in exploring more mind-bending puzzles, “Think Twice” offers a collection of counter-intuitive conundrums to ponder over. Whether tackled individually or in a group, these puzzles are bound to spark lively debates and critical thinking.
If you’re keen on testing your puzzle-solving skills, you can order a copy of “Think Twice” to delve into a world of intriguing challenges. Remember, delivery charges may apply, so be sure to check out the details on guardianbookshop.com to support the Guardian and Observer.
Since 2015, I’ve been sharing puzzles here every other Monday, and I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting challenges. If you have a puzzle in mind that you’d like to suggest, feel free to send me an email. Let’s keep the puzzling spirit alive and continue to engage in brain-teasing fun.
