My colleague brought a puzzle pod to work. This is basically a box with a combination lock of five letters.
One person fills it with chocolate and sets the word that is required to open it. Then everyone has to solve a puzzle to find the solution and get to take a piece out of the box.
Would you like to start puzzling here as well?
[imgzoom]https://www.7gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/nhh.jpg[/imgzoom]
Here is the current puzzle that I set up:
1. f3 e5
2. g4
(?)h4#
The rules:
- The answer is a 5 letter word
- Use spoiler tags for posting answers but also for posting ideas and theories
- Don't google the solution. However, you may use Wikipedia or Google to look up something, i.e. if you think the puzzle is about pigeons, you can read about the topic.
- The first person who solves the puzzle can create a new one
Spoiler
Are these musical notes? If this is the case, maybe it should be clarified that "H" in German-speaking countries is actually "B" in most other places (although B# wouldn't make much sense).
If they aren't notes, then forget I said anything :)
EDIT: I'm an idiot. These are not notes, obviously they are chess moves. But I don't know anything about chess, openings, tactics or any other stuff apart from how the pieces move, so I hope this is of use to somebody else!
Spoiler
could the code word be Queen?
thanks to Laura mentioning Chess moves, an f3 e5 move, followed by an opponent making a g4 move the best move would be Queen to h4 which would lead to a quick checkmate i believe.
dayowlron, I have to ask...
Spoiler
Did you have to get out a chessboard or draw one or use one on the computer to figure that out, or can you just do those moves in your head?
Well done, dayowlron! You are correct! Feel free to set the next combination.
Spoiler
You also solved it the intended way - well done! My colleagues just checked which pieces have 5 characters and didn't bother to actually "replay" the moves.
Gotta make puzzles brute-force-proof!
Cool idea. Should any future puzzles in this thread be 5-letter words?
Of course! That's how long the combination is (and that way I can reuse the puzzles to test my colleagues ;) )
I actually had a chess board set up that just stays that way for when my brother comes to town. Funny thing is we will start a game and talk then wherever it is left I will leave it out unless I have to put it away for some reason (cleaning, holidays, etc) and we will just start a new game next time so rarely finish an actual game.
Thanks again to Laura Hunt for giving me the idea to even try chess for the solution.
Next Puzzle: (may be easy or may be hard)(if it winds up being too hard I will add some more to the sequence)
Ip
Ohr
?
Uat
Is it relevant to the puzzle that the first letters are capitalized or was that just normal automatic capitalization?
Spoiler
amgis
(greek letters backwards)
Quote from: Ben X on Thu 28/11/2019 13:54:05
Spoiler
amgis
(greek letters backwards)
very good. that is correct. I thought that might be too easy.
David
Daniel
George
Pierce
Sean
Timothy
Spoiler
Is there a "Roger" missing in the list?
Spoiler
Roger.
(It's a list of the actors who've played James Bond.)
lorenzo and Laura both got it!
Quote from: Ben X on Fri 29/11/2019 10:31:48
lorenzo and Laura both got it!
You know a riddle is too easy if *I* can guess it :-D Lorenzo answered first, so he can take over :)
Quote from: Laura Hunt on Fri 29/11/2019 12:20:08
You know a riddle is too easy if *I* can guess it :-D
Haha, the same goes for me! (laugh)
I couldn't think of a new puzzle, unfortunately. :(
If it's okay, I'll post a puzzle:
9
E 6
ZI
Quote from: Sinusoid on Sat 30/11/2019 12:22:41
If it's okay, I'll post a puzzle:
9
E 6
ZI
Spoiler
clock
It's an upside down clock
Stupot,
Spoiler
You are almost correct: the word is right, the letter order is not :smiley:
Quote from: Sinusoid on Sun 01/12/2019 12:35:04
Stupot,
Spoiler
You are almost correct: the word is right, the letter order is not :smiley:
Spoiler
Well, it could also be KCOLC?
Mandle, exactly!
Hehehe Stu did all the heavy lifting, I just closed the back gate on the truck when he was done, so over to you, Stu, if you have one. If not I can come up with something.
I think Stu is probably a bit busy these days with the new baby so I will duck in with a new puzzle.
NEW PUZZLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
EDIT... Done! Hard but fair for hardcore code-breakers I hope...
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVOQEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
Does anyone want a hidden hint? Or are people working on theories on their own?
I just would like to know if it is an actual 5 letter word or just a random set of 5 letters.
Quote from: dayowlron on Tue 03/12/2019 16:42:39
I just would like to know if it is an actual 5 letter word or just a random set of 5 letters.
It is a word.
No idea but I tried:
Spoiler
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVO QEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U
6 1 3 3 9 5 3 4 2 2 2 2 5 7 4 2 4 5 8 6 2
V W X Y Z
5 7 2 2 4
109 characters
25 vowels
Starts with 5 consonnants, 3 vowels, 4c, 1v, 1c, 1v...
Reversed:
QFDGSRW5TEYMXNEZORFHVVZACAGSJSNVNFBWQT3WUSOAMQRJNSNFNHETW5CAVKGXERDWEQOVSNEUCPLMPKMIAYWTA2TLSWESERFMHEIOZDHTZ
Read every 2, 3, 4 or 5 letters nope.
From the beginning - Letter immediately after: AUIEAPJFINGSFTF...
From the beginning - Letter immediately before: YSGCYNHDGLEQDRD...
From the beginning - change 2 letters after: BVJFBQK
From the beginning - change 2 letters before: XRFBXMGC
After number "2" â€" change 2 letters after: CVYACKOMR
After number "2" - change 2 letters before: YRUWYGKINKJNASCLQTM
Chemical elements nope.
Place in the alphabet from the beginning: 26-20-8-4-26-15...
ISO country names â€" unlikely with the numbers
Acronyms nope
------
We can split the message in 5 groups of letters between the numbers:
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT 2
ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVOQEWDREXGKVAC 5
WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW 3
TQWBFNV NSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET 5
WRSGDFQ
Number of letters: 19-31-18-30-7
With their position in the alphabet: S E R D G > the only 5 letter word is "DREGS".
-----
There are 2 spaces in the original message. If we split each group:
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT 2 ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVO
19 2 19
QEWDREXGKVAC 5 WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW 3 TQWBFNV
12 5 18 3 7
NSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET 5 WRSGDFQ
23 5 7
Which gives us nothing:
(A=1) S B S L E R C G W E G
(A=1, A=27) S B S L E R C G W E G
(A=26..01) H 2 H O 5 I 3 7 D 5 7
(A=01) S 2 S L 5 R 3 7 W 5 7
(A=0) T C T M F S D H X F H
(A=0, A=26) T C T M F S D H X F H
(A=26..1) H Y H O V I X T D V T
-------------
Letters matching the numbers in the alphabet:
2535: BECE
If we add "2" instead of "Frozen" because "Frozen 2" is just out:
25325:
- position in the alphabet: BECBE > no word with these 5 letters.
- position in the alphabet starting from the end: YVXYV > no word with these 5 letters.
- letters looking similar: ZSEZS.
Letters away after the number: TNWMD
2 letters after "2">T
5 letters after "5">N
3>W
2 letters after "FROZEN" > M
5>D
Letter away before the number: LGSVX
2 letters before "2">L
5>G
3>S
2 letters before "FROZEN">V
5>X
----------
What else do you want me to try, Mandle? A letter substitution?
(http://creamy.r.c.f.unblog.fr/files/2019/12/subst.png)
Creamy, I am certain your post will lead someone (or yourself) in the right direction, so you didn't waste your time. :)
It's been so long since I have played it, but is there some connection to the four notes of a LOOM spell?
Quote from: man n fist on Wed 04/12/2019 03:14:56
It's been so long since I have played it, but is there some connection to the four notes of a LOOM spell?
No, there are no references to anything outside the initial post.
No idea but is it some kind of Dingbats style clue?
Spoiler
Like it's the word FROZEN in a big string of letters and numbers so...
BICEP
As it is the word ICE (frozen) in a bunch of string (muscle is basically made up of fibres, which is kind of like string -- I'm not a biologist)
I'm pretty sure it's not that, but is it that kind of puzzle?
Yes, Stu, you are right!!!
You are not a biologist... and the rest of your theory is also completely off track.
If anyone wants a hint just unhide Creamys post above... There is a huge one in there...
Oh wait, is it partly to do with
Spoiler
words that are hidden to the left of each number, that number of letters away? So FROZEN is 5 letters to the left of 5. The others would be SEWS REX MAO (or RESEWS/DREX?) in that case...
Quote from: Ben X on Fri 06/12/2019 14:51:31
Oh wait, is it partly to do with Spoiler
words that are hidden to the left of each number, that number of letters away? So FROZEN is 5 letters to the left of 5. The others would be SEWS REX MAO (or RESEWS/DREX?) in that case...
No. But you are kind of on the right track...
Quote from: Mandle on Mon 02/12/2019 16:42:55
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVOQEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
HIDDEN HINT BELOW
Spoiler
Some of these things are not like the others.
Just wondering if anyone is working on this or if another slight nudge might be appreciated?
I'm just a bit worried that even a further hidden hint, after having given a few, might take away a bit of the glory from the solver, even if they did not look at it.
I really think Creamy should have another look at the puzzle as he was so close with his thinking...
Hmmm...
Spoiler
For a second I thought maybe the numbers represented which letter to pick from the word "FROZEN". But there are only 4 numbers which would only leave us with REOE.
I've added a couple of failed theories in my original post for your sadistic pleasure, Mandle :P
Quote from: Creamy on Tue 10/12/2019 21:25:53
I've added a couple of failed theories in my original post for your sadistic pleasure, Mandle :P
Hahahaha! Oops, I mean Muahahahaha!
It is not nearly as complicated as those.
Sorry that my puzzle is holding the thread up a bit, but I feel it is really one that will give someone a great deal of satisfaction to solve as I think it is quite good on a couple of layers.
I'm none the wiser.
Quote from: Stupot on Thu 12/12/2019 12:52:51
I'm none the wiser.
It is a pretty basic way to hide a codeword and the key to break it with, and has been massively overthought... Go back to first principles, Clarice....
Another idea
Spoiler
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVO QEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
TIME
Selecting the 2nd, then 5th, then 3rd then 5th character, but that's only 4 of them...
If you combine that with
Spoiler
FROZEN, do the two suggest a word? Like STASIS (frozen time) but five letters?
Working more on the previous idea:
Spoiler
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVO_
QEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
TIMESTAMPS
but for everything after the space I only get garbage. So maybe TIMESTAMPS is already the hint?
The original timestamp where this puzzle was posted was 02 Dec 2019, 16:42 forum time. December is too long, digits are not valid inputs for the puzzle.
But: when Mandle posted the puzzle, his timestamp showed "today at 16:42". So I'll just try
TODAY
Lots of progress but no correct answer yet.
Well spotted Cat.
Spoiler
Should we look for something in the movie Frozen at a certain timestamp?
Spoiler
oh dayum. Good work. Does anyone have the Frozen DVD or Disney+ to check what's in the screen at 25:35
Remember spoilers for theories (and quotes of theories), everyone! (Also, well done!)
I'm just sitting on my hands here on the sidelines in massive twitch-fits to avoid saying anything one way or the other... But, just so you all know, I am constantly watching the thread and excited every time I see a new post.
Spoiler
I doubt that Mandle would require someone to own a copy of a movie to solve a puzzle, this would be really unfair. I think the puzzle is solvable with only information that is publicly available (at least I hope so, otherwise I would be really pissed off)
Rest easy, my dear cat... I already said this the page before ;)
Quote from: Mandle on Wed 04/12/2019 09:02:14
No, there are no references to anything outside the initial post.
The code is completely solvable with only the information in the initial post.
Spoiler
Quote from: cat on Fri 13/12/2019 08:41:06
Working more on the previous idea:
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVO_
QEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
TIMESTAMPS
but for everything after the space I only get garbage. So maybe TIMESTAMPS is already the hint?
The original timestamp where this puzzle was posted was 02 Dec 2019, 16:42 forum time. December is too long, digits are not valid inputs for the puzzle.
But: when Mandle posted the puzzle, his timestamp showed "today at 16:42". So I'll just try
TODAY
Wow you've given us some great leads to go on. The problem with the post timestamp is that it displays in the viewer's local time, which varies. For example, my timestamp for Mandle's original post is 19:42.
I'm just going to guess that the word is 'reply', as it something consistent for all of us that appears in the timestamp. I'm very stumped with how 'FROZEN' fits into this though, so my guess is probably wrong.
Quote from: cat on Sun 15/12/2019 20:25:06
Spoiler
I doubt that Mandle would require someone to own a copy of a movie to solve a puzzle, this would be really unfair. I think the puzzle is solvable with only information that is publicly available (at least I hope so, otherwise I would be really pissed off)
Spoiler
I guess so, and Mandle's already proved you right. But then again a lot of codes require a specific book or text in order to crack them. So I sort of like the idea of needing a DVD or access to a certain film in order to solve a puzzle (even though it does alienate those of us who don't have access)
No right answers yet.
Quote from: Mandle on Mon 02/12/2019 16:42:55
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVOQEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
Just putting the original post back here so people don't have to go back a few pages to see it.
Spoiler
Quote from: cat on Fri 13/12/2019 08:41:06
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVO_
QEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
TIMESTAMPS
Maybe it is worth putting more effort into analyzing the second part of the code? But I have no idea how.
Quote from: cat on Tue 17/12/2019 11:36:08
Spoiler
Quote from: cat on Fri 13/12/2019 08:41:06
ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLPCUENSVO_
QEWDREXGKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
TIMESTAMPS
Maybe it is worth putting more effort into analyzing the second part of the code? But I have no idea how.
I don't know how the "space" appeared in the middle of the code for you. It is not there for me on my end. There were no "first" and "second" halves of the code intended, sorry.
Thanks, Mandle! I must have gotten it from Creamy's post. However, I still can't figure it out...
Quote from: cat on Thu 19/12/2019 08:31:23
Thanks, Mandle! I must have gotten it from Creamy's post. However, I still can't figure it out...
There is enough information in the thread so far for someone to figure it out, and you contributed most, well, in fact, pretty much all of it.
Spoiler
Do we all agree that the 5-2-5-3 pattern no longer applies after the word ‘timestamps'?
Quote from: Stupot on Sat 21/12/2019 01:23:05
Spoiler
Do we all agree that the 5-2-5-3 pattern no longer applies after the word ‘timestamps'?
Spoiler
It was actually only supposed to be "TIMESTAMP". The extra "S" on the end was a coincidence. I actually meant to put an "X" there or some other character to indicate that the word was finished, but forgot to do so. So consider this more a correction to the original puzzle than a hint.
Spoiler
There are a handful of three letter words. I wonder if they have any connection to the solution:
SEW
AIM
CUE
YET
Mandle, your puzzle has broken the forums:
(https://i.imgur.com/BEqiVD6.png)
Quote from: Ben X on Mon 23/12/2019 10:04:28
Mandle, your puzzle has broken the forums:
What if I told you this is always what I saw when I looked at the forums but you are only seeing it just now? (In you-know-whose voice)
Voldemort's?
Okay, here is a Christmas present hint all wrapped up in a bow...
Spoiler
Proceed as you started out, but not exactly.
I give up. Can't make it work.
Spoiler
So, using the 2-5-3-5 pattern, I got this:
TIMESTAMPSQEG5ESJOWBNSCHRXESD
Since 5 is the only digit in this line, I took every fifth symbol.
The answer is SSEBR.
Nopers. Can I ask at this point... (slight nudge-nudge-hint-hint)
Spoiler
...what timestamp does everyone see on the original post? Cat saw the same one I see so I assume it is the same for everyone and is server time not, timezone based, as Cat and I live on basically opposite sides of the world. Somebody said they could see a different timestamp, though, but I didn't think that was possible and, the mere act of me asking about it is kind of a hint so I waited until a hint was necessary again.
I think we've found the problem
Spoiler
You must have your account set to GMT. Mine's set to +8 (it should be +9 but I never changed it when the clocks in the UK went back
(https://i.imgur.com/d84lAj8_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium)
Did a bit more work, but stuck again.
Spoiler
(2535)ZTHDZOIEHMFRESEWSLT2ATWYAIMKPMLP
(1642)CUENSVOQEWDRE
X GKVAC5WTEHNFNSNJRQMAOSUW3TQWBFNVNSJSGACAZVVHFROZENXMYET5WRSGDFQ
(Mandle mentioned before about using an X to show the end of a part so I'm guessing this is the same. Presuming the X is a space and the in the sequence is the 5, we have “CODE 5†which is a police code. After than it's gibberish again.)
Quote from: Stupot on Fri 27/12/2019 03:38:54
I think we've found the problemSpoiler
You must have your account set to GMT. Mine's set to +8 (it should be +9 but I never changed it when the clocks in the UK went back
(https://i.imgur.com/d84lAj8_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium)
I had no idea such an account setting even existed.
The correct timestamp on the original post should be "« Reply #26 on: 02 Dec 2019, 16:42 »"
Just gonna say here that josiah1221 has already solved the code correctly but did not want to spoil it in here for anyone else still giving it a try so he sent it to me via PM.
He gave kudos to Stupot for the almost entire correct solution that allowed him to get it.
I think it's fair enough to post the solution in spoiler tags so people can avoid it if they like but the game can move on...
Quote from: Ben X on Sat 28/12/2019 11:02:22
I think it's fair enough to post the solution in spoiler tags so people can avoid it if they like but the game can move on...
Well, josiah1221, said he enjoyed the puzzle a lot and was interested to see who else would get the final solution.
So, I think he deserves another day until it is either "officially" solved in here or I just post his solution anyway and the game moves on.
I agree with Ben X, I think the game should move on.
Quote from: cat on Sat 28/12/2019 19:30:07
I agree with Ben X, I think the game should move on.
Yeah, I wanted to wait just a bit to see if it would click for Stu, as he put in a heroic effort. Also I wanna have a go at solving the next one, too. Here is the mail josiah1221 sent me with the complete solution...
Spoiler
Quote from: josiah1221 on Fri 27/12/2019 04:16:34
Hey! I think I may have discovered the answer to your brilliant and clever puzzle, especially with Stupot recent post. Is it CODEX?
So, over to josiah if he wants it, or Stu or Cat I would say as they were the main 3 solvers.
Spoiler
Oh dear. It was right there the whole time. I overthought the X thing.
What about the rest of the string though? There's loads more.
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 29/12/2019 02:54:48
Spoiler
Oh dear. It was right there the whole time. I overthought the X thing.
What about the rest of the string though? There's loads more.
Spoiler
The rest of the string is just to hide the numbers in and the "FROZEN" was a red herring. When I was hitting random letters the combo of "FROZ" came out by coincidence so I added the "EN" as a slight prank.
Spoiler
Because you said that after the timestamp there should be an X as delimiter, I thought the X after CODE to be the same. So I thought CODE was the next hint and I tried to continue with the post number and thread number.
I didn't post the answer here because Cat and Stu did pretty much all the work. I just caught on to it towards the end. So either Cat or Stu can post the next one. Or maybe both of you could collaborate and create an epic puzzle, 2 heads are better than one! :)
Quote from: cat on Sun 29/12/2019 14:11:33
Spoiler
Because you said that after the timestamp there should be an X as delimiter, I thought the X after CODE to be the same. So I thought CODE was the next hint and I tried to continue with the post number and thread number.
Just another thing that can be improved if you do use a similar puzzle at your workplace, posted on your company forum or whatever you have maybe? Version 1 had a few glitches but the basic code idea is pretty cool I thought. ;-D
Well this has not progressed so here is another 5 letter code to figure out...
38.889248, -77.050636, 60.192059, 24.945831, 52.379189, 4.899431, 51.509865, -0.118092, 37.29263, -4.87896.
Spoiler
Whale.
I don't have any puzzles, so feel free to keep them coming! ;)
Edit by cat: Please use spoiler tags.
(For those curious)
Spoiler
Lat/long
Quote
Edit by cat: Please use spoiler tags.
Agh. Sorry! :embarrased face:
Here are 2 I just came up with. The first one should be pretty easy, but I'm hoping the second one will be a bit tougher.
XXXXXXLLLLAUUUTTTTTDDXXXXXX
XIOGXKOAXBOMXTOEXDOS
Quote from: Laura Hunt on Wed 15/01/2020 16:19:33
Spoiler
Whale.
I don't have any puzzles, so feel free to keep them coming! ;)
Edit by cat: Please use spoiler tags.
Well done! I think you solved it faster than it took me to make it LOL.
XXXXXXLLLLAUUUTTTTTDDXXXXXX
Spoiler
Adult
XIOGXKOAXBOMXTOEXDOS
Spoiler
Games
Quote from: Mandle on Thu 16/01/2020 03:04:05
Quote from: Laura Hunt on Wed 15/01/2020 16:19:33
Spoiler
Whale.
I don't have any puzzles, so feel free to keep them coming! ;)
Edit by cat: Please use spoiler tags.
Well done! I think you solved it faster than it took me to make it LOL.
I work for a travel company. Give me a few more years and I'll be able to do this without even looking at a map :-D
Good job Stu! Too easy?
Quote from: josiah1221 on Thu 16/01/2020 20:14:24
Good job Stu! Too easy?
The first one was very easy but the second one took a bit more thinking.
Here's a new one.
Quote from: Mandle on Sun 19/01/2020 13:19:59
Spoiler
Frame?
Nope.
I should probably check while it's still early. Can everyone see the four emojis, and not just a table frame?
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 19/01/2020 13:23:55
Quote from: Mandle on Sun 19/01/2020 13:19:59
Spoiler
Frame?
Nope.
I should probably check while it's still early. Can everyone see the four emojis, and not just a table frame?
Spoiler
Yes, I can see the emojis, I just thought you might be going for something really meta by showing us a picture in a frame but the answer was actually just the frame...
I am probably way overthinking this but here is...
Spoiler
The source-code numbers of Stu's four emojis...
#129504;#128293;#127800;#128014;
EDIT
Spoiler
I was not aware of the game "4 pics 1 word" when I posted this. Pretty sure now it is one of those puzzles.
Spoiler
Greek? (Seems to work for brain (Greek philosophy), Greek fire, and a famous Greek wooden horse, but no idea about the connection to flowers)
No correct guesses so far but your last post was barking up the closest tree.
I can't see the emojis very well. How do I convert the source code Mandle supplied into emojis? never mind, think I got something
🧠🔥
🌸🐎
Quote from: TheFrighter on Mon 20/01/2020 08:15:10
Spoiler
Power?
That is the answer I had in mind. Well done, Frighter.
Ahhhhh... nice... I got kinda close with the last answer. Just did not work for "horse" and only marginally worked for "flower".
Quote from: Mandle on Mon 20/01/2020 11:56:40
Ahhhhh... nice... I got kinda close with the last answer. Just did not work for "horse" and only marginally worked for "flower".
That helped me! No more flowerstorm, let the flower power save the world! (laugh)
Well,I'm not skilled as you brothers but I'll think something soon!
_
Oh and, Stu, that was a really good puzzle!
Is was simple enough that I could think about it on half-hour bike rides to work and back without getting confused, deep enough that my mind went off on tangents trying to connect it somehow to the last scene in The Last Samurai where they ride in on horses and get machine-gunned while cherry-blossom petals fall perfectly everywhere, and obvious enough eventually that it made me embarrassed enough to give myself a wedgie and steal my own lunch money.
(Can anyone tell by this that I have been watching way too much Zero Punctuation lately?)
Haha. As long as you didn't kancho yourself.
That puzzle could easily have been done with just words and I'm not even sure at what point I thought to use emojis instead but it was fun. I felt a bit cheaty putting them in the frame. That wasn't a deliberate red-herring but I needed some way to avoid putting them in a line because the sequence didn't matter. Otherwise it looked like one of those emoji puzzles where you have to guess a film title.
Quote from: Stupot on Mon 20/01/2020 18:38:38
Haha. As long as you didn't kancho yourself.
God, that is the one Japanese custom that seems to be seen as charming by parents and Japanese teachers as just a rite of childhood to do, but I despise it and will always time-out the kid that did it to me or another teacher. I have even had a boy do it to a female teacher and (lets just say the boy missed the mark by an inch) had to counsel her on how to deal with the trauma and discipline thereon in. It is a horrible thing and I really hate it.
And now I just learned something new... and wish I hadn't. Then again, maybe I'll be on the lookout if ever in such a situation.
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Tue 21/01/2020 13:24:45
And now I just learned something new... and wish I hadn't. Then again, maybe I'll be on the lookout if ever in such a situation.
Yeah, it is pretty awful. Mind you, until two years ago there was a Japanese New Years show that had a segment where middle-aged "comedians" took milk enemas and then scampered around too see who could hold it in the longest and even showed when it came out.
This year the same show avoided that entire segment which I think is a part of Japan repairing its image in preparation for the upcoming Olympics.
I will post a new puzzle here for the meanwhile if that is alright with everyone...
16, 15, 24, 39, 13.
Actually, I would say that this thread should be open for anyone to post up a puzzle at any time. That way we have multiple ones to choose from in the very likely case that we are stuck on one. Much like a book of different puzzles.
If that starts to get messy we could limit it to a maximum of 7 at a time or something but I doubt that is going to happen.
I would stick to one puzzle for now, but we can say if the solver doesn't post a puzzle within 24 hours, the next one is up for grabs.
Oh, and no idea on your puzzle, yet.
Here's my submission! It's a very easy game with multiple solutions, so be creative!
Set free the bear pushing only one button:
CAGE CAGE CAGE
LOCK bear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
_
Quote from: TheFrighter on Thu 23/01/2020 11:40:55
Here's my submission! It's a very easy game with multiple solutions, so be creative!
Set free the bear pushing only one button:
CAGE CAGE CAGE
bear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
_
I pushed only the "Quote" option with the BUTTON on my mouse. The rest I did with keyboard keys, so I guess it qualifies as a solution?
Obviously quoting don't count, what key you used?
_
uhm
Spoiler
Seems like neither delete nor back space would work, as they have more than 5 letters... But space would fit if I throw the bar away. ;)
However, I could also do this:
CAGE CAGE CAGE
LOCK bear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
And Enter would be very useful!
REDACTED
(I will give the same hint again after a little more time has passed)
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Thu 23/01/2020 19:20:00
uhm
Spoiler
Seems like neither delete nor back space would work, as they have more than 5 letters... But space would fit if I throw the bar away. ;)
However, I could also do this:
CAGE CAGE CAGE
LOCK bear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
And Enter would be very useful!
Good, Cassiebsg!
Any other ideas?
_
Spoiler
Quote from: TheFrighter on Thu 23/01/2020 11:40:55
Here's my submission! It's a very easy game with multiple solutions, so be creative!
Set free the bear pushing only one button:
CAGE CAGE CAGE
LOCK bear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
_
I used only the left mouse button to highlight "CAGE" and then also left mouse button to click on "Right Align" on the AGS menu, so I followed the rules, I pushed only one button, and my submission is either "right" or "align"
Quote from: Mandle on Thu 23/01/2020 15:40:26
Nope.
Of course it is right, because I can explain why:
Spoiler
Because the sum of the numbers is 107 and you wrote in reply number 107 that the answer is Storm.
Whereas you fail to give a reason for either the numbers and why you rejected
your own answer. 8-)
Quote from: blur on Fri 24/01/2020 13:38:04
Quote from: Mandle on Thu 23/01/2020 15:40:26
Nope.
Of course it is right, because I can explain why:
Spoiler
Because the sum of the numbers is 107 and you wrote in reply number 107 that the answer is Storm.
Spoiler
Oh My GOD!!! If I was that smart I would be a milliona... Oh, wait, I am actually that smart, which is one reason why I am not a millionaire, also being extremely lazy is a factor, and wish now that you had not divulged that potential meta puzzle and spoiled it... But, no, that is not the word that unlocks the pod. I only wish it was because then I would be an official genius like you for finding that connection!
cage cage cage
lock BEAR cage
cage cage cage
My guess is SHIFT because inverting the casing will make a big bear in a weak cage and lock which he could easily break :)
@blur That would have been genius indeed.
Quote from: cat on Fri 24/01/2020 18:30:24
cage cage cage
lock BEAR cage
cage cage cage
My guess is SHIFT because inverting the casing will make a big bear in a weak cage and lock which he could easily break :)
(laugh) I like it!
Any other?
_
Quote from: TheFrighter on Fri 24/01/2020 18:44:40
(laugh) I like it!
Any other?
Wait, I'm getting confused. Is there an actual answer that you have in mind or are all valid? (Also, I also submitted one above, but might be stretching the rules.)
CAGE CAGE CAGE
GLOCK bear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
Now it's free, and it's armed!
CAGE CAGE CAGE
LOCK ear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
Oh my god, the bear is gone, and.. WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?
@kweepa and Tzachs, these are funny answers but the solution is supposed to be a five-letter word.
Here's one.
CAGE CAGE/CAGE
LOCK bear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
The answer is ‘slash'. I made a slash in the cage with a big sword and now the bear is free.
CAGE CAGE CAGE
LOCK beard CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
I was wondering where that went!
Quote from: Stupot on Sat 25/01/2020 00:28:42
@kweepa and Tzachs, these are funny answers but the solution is supposed to be a five-letter word.
It is???
:confused:
Read the first post!
And I hope TheFrighter also read it, because this game requires a fixed 5 LETTER WORD, that is determined when posting the puzzle, to be the solution.
No problem Lord Cat, their solutions are acceptable.
But Kweepa, you think dangerous! (laugh)
_
Quote from: TheFrighter on Sat 25/01/2020 18:17:59
No problem Lord Cat, their solutions are acceptable.
I still do not understand what is going on with this puzzle. Is there an actual answer to it that you are waiting for or are you just collecting "acceptable" answers?
As I said this puzzle have multiple solutions, it's just for the fun of lookin' for the smarter.
Anyway, the original answer that a friend told me is:
CAGE CAGE CAGE
NLOCK bear CAGE
CAGE CAGE CAGE
_
Quote from: TheFrighter on Sun 26/01/2020 13:13:38
Anyway, the original answer is:
A bit disenchanting.
Back to Mandle's puzzle
Quote from: Mandle on Tue 21/01/2020 15:43:44
16, 15, 24, 39, 13.
Spoiler
Letter of alphabet (with wrap around)
P, O, X, M, M
Prime factorisation
2*2*2*2, 3*5, 2*2*2*3, 3*13, 13
Roman numbers
XVI, XV, XXIV, XXXIX, XIII
First letter of number
S, F, T, T, T
Quote from: Mandle on Tue 21/01/2020 15:43:44
I will post a new puzzle here for the meanwhile if that is alright with everyone...
16, 15, 24, 39, 13.
Reposting here for convenience...
What's an Nlock? I prefer my answer :-D
Quote from: Mandle on Sun 26/01/2020 15:56:26
Quote from: Mandle on Tue 21/01/2020 15:43:44
I will post a new puzzle here for the meanwhile if that is alright with everyone...
16, 15, 24, 39, 13.
Reposting here for convenience...
This puzzle requires no outside information to be known by the solver.
Quote from: Mandle on Tue 21/01/2020 15:43:44
I will post a new puzzle here for the meanwhile if that is alright with everyone...
16, 15, 24, 39, 13.
Spoiler
enema?
Quote from: tzachs on Thu 30/01/2020 02:18:28
Quote from: Mandle on Tue 21/01/2020 15:43:44
I will post a new puzzle here for the meanwhile if that is alright with everyone...
16, 15, 24, 39, 13.
Spoiler
enema?
YUP! Well done!
Could you explain the solution?
Quote from: cat on Thu 30/01/2020 08:39:32
Could you explain the solution?
Sure
Spoiler
Just count each number of characters, including spaces, from left to right in the sentence, starting back at the beginning each time.
Oh, and the reason the answer was "enema" was because I mentioned something about a Japanese TV show that had enemas in it, in passing, just before I originally posted the puzzle. So it was more of a joke than alluding that I am a fan of enemas.
Quote from: Mandle on Thu 30/01/2020 12:25:59
Spoiler
So it was more of a joke than alluding that I am a fan of enemas.
Not that there's anything wrong with your hobby of choice.
Quote from: lorenzo on Thu 30/01/2020 13:21:05
Quote from: Mandle on Thu 30/01/2020 12:25:59
Spoiler
So it was more of a joke than alluding that I am a fan of enemas.
Not that there's anything wrong with your hobby of choice.
I colon't agree more!
I bowel in front of your wit!
Well this is all very intestine but we need a new puzzle.
That's not how you spell "butt"!
Quote from: Stupot on Thu 30/01/2020 14:39:32
Well this is all very intestine but we need a new puzzle.
Here you go: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/01/29/climate/kryptos-sculpture-final-clue.html?action=click&module=Editors%20Picks&pgtype=Homepage
(https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/01/29/climate/kryptos-sculpture-final-clue.html?action=click&module=Editors%20Picks&pgtype=Homepage)
Ok, my attempt for a riddle, hopefully not too easy:
You'll find it on your screen. Perhaps written somewhere, but if not, it's still there, just look closely.
TA, RC, PE, DR, CO, JO.
They are neither top level domains nor language codes.
Quote from: cat on Thu 06/02/2020 12:11:19
They are neither top level domains nor language codes.
Correct, and I am going to give a hint here...
Spoiler
Each is the first two letters of longer word(s)...
One of my students (Junior High) solved this today with only the one hint I have given so far. (laugh)
Your students are smarter than me. Is that a school for codebreakers à la Bletchley Park?
Not a guess but a theory about how to approach it.
Spoiler
I’m not sure if it’s possible (in English at least) to have a word that starts with ‘RC’. So with that in mind, plus the fact they’re presented in upper case, I’m guessing we’re talking about incomplete acronyms.
Spoiler
And I would guess that RC stands for RC Cola, and I also see Pepsi, Coca Cola and Dr Pepper...
So I'm guessing "drink" or "fuzzy"?
Quote from: tzachs on Sun 09/02/2020 03:09:55
Spoiler
And I would guess that RC stands for RC Cola, and I also see Pepsi, Coca Cola and Dr Pepper...
So I'm guessing "drink" or "fuzzy"?
Spoiler
The answer is slightly more specific.
Spoiler
I also thought of Dr Pepper when reading DR although I never drank it before. I think I've been watching too much Steins;Gate recently ;)
Piggybacking off of Tzachs.
Spoiler
Not sure about TA but I found the existence of a JOlt Cola
Could the answer simply be "colas"?
Quote from: Stupot on Mon 10/02/2020 01:53:10
Spoiler
Not sure about TA
Spoiler
I didn't even know so many colas existed...
For TA, it appears that there's a drink called Tab: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tab_(drink) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tab_(drink))
Quote from: Stupot on Mon 10/02/2020 01:53:10
Piggybacking off of Tzachs.
Spoiler
Not sure about TA but I found the existence of a JOlt Cola
Could the answer simply be "colas"?
That's the one, and, also all the
Spoiler
brands have been successfully identified:
CO=Coke/Coca-Cola
PE=Pepsi
RC=RC Cola
TA=TAB
DR=Dr Pepper
JO=Jolt
So next is Stu, or Tzachs if Stu wants to pass.
Quote from: lorenzo on Fri 07/02/2020 22:10:10
Your students are smarter than me. Is that a school for codebreakers à la Bletchley Park?
Spoiler
My student even guessed it from just CO, PE, and DR because he didn't know about the other 3 brands, so pretty damn good!
Quote from: Mandle on Mon 10/02/2020 09:43:47
Quote from: Stupot on Mon 10/02/2020 01:53:10
Piggybacking off of Tzachs.
Spoiler
Not sure about TA but I found the existence of a JOlt Cola
Could the answer simply be "colas"?
That's the one, and, also all the Spoiler
brands have been successfully identified:
CO=Coke/Coca-Cola
PE=Pepsi
RC=RC Cola
TA=TAB
DR=Dr Pepper
JO=Jolt
So next is Stu, or Tzachs if Stu wants to pass.
Spoiler
I've never heard of Jolt Cola or RC Cola. I don't think it's fair to have such culturally-specific riddles :-\
Quote from: Laura Hunt on Mon 10/02/2020 12:04:08
Quote from: Mandle on Mon 10/02/2020 09:43:47
Quote from: Stupot on Mon 10/02/2020 01:53:10
Piggybacking off of Tzachs.
Spoiler
Not sure about TA but I found the existence of a JOlt Cola
Could the answer simply be "colas"?
That's the one, and, also all the Spoiler
brands have been successfully identified:
CO=Coke/Coca-Cola
PE=Pepsi
RC=RC Cola
TA=TAB
DR=Dr Pepper
JO=Jolt
So next is Stu, or Tzachs if Stu wants to pass.
Spoiler
I've never heard of Jolt Cola or RC Cola. I don't think it's fair to have such culturally-specific riddles :-\
Spoiler
There are no "Do not google" rules specific to this contest, and I also made sure that three of the colas were worldwide brands and my junior high school student who only knew those three figured it out without knowing about Jolt, RC Cola, or TAB.
So, I think it was a pretty fair puzzle.
I think this belongs here. (laugh)
Spoiler
(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/zyhnmw3xixvjyyfdee7q.jpg)
So is the specific word were looking for:
Spoiler
colas, sodas, drink?
Quote from: dayowlron on Mon 10/02/2020 21:43:34
So is the specific word were looking for:
Spoiler
colas, sodas, drink?
It was Stu's answer, which was
Spoiler
COLAS
So, no new puzzle from either winners for a bit.
Hope no one minds me butting in with a new one...
KEY<NPSTF
Quote from: dayowlron on Tue 11/02/2020 21:18:46
Spoiler
MORSE?
What an amazing coincidence!!! But, no, that is not the answer.
Darn, I was so sure that was the answer..
Quote from: dayowlron on Wed 12/02/2020 19:22:32
Darn, I was so sure that was the answer..
And I can see why. It amazed me that an existing word could be found by your method.
Here's a hint:
Spoiler
dayowlron's method of shifting characters one over was not exactly wrong but the way it was done (by using the alphabet) was not correct.
I updated the above hint slightly to make it a bit clearer what I meant.
Quote from: dayowlron on Mon 17/02/2020 22:29:57
Spoiler
BOARD?
BOOM! That's the one!
Spoiler
The hint in the original clue is the < sign and the starting three letters KEY, suggesting that the solver should go a key to the left of every letter (on a QWERTY keyboard). This gives BOARD and also makes the entire clue KEYBOARD. The fact that, if you do the same with the same letters but using the alphabet and subtracting a letter each time gives the answer MORSE blew me away and was not a clever intentional red herring.
Wow. That’s a nice puzzle. Simple but tricky. And hard to get ‘Morse’ out of your mind. It’s super amazing that Morse was possible in that way seeing as it’s the name of another type of code.
Quote from: Stupot on Tue 18/02/2020 00:08:28
Wow. That’s a nice puzzle. Simple but tricky. And hard to get ‘Morse’ out of your mind. It’s super amazing that Morse was possible in that way seeing as it’s the name of another type of code.
And also involves a key. The telegraph key.
Cool. I liked that puzzle. I will post a new one later.
This one may be an easy one:
75552667777
Nothing? the code is really an easy one.
Spoiler
It is PUTIN's telephone number?
I have attempted about 5-8 theories, but no luck yet. No hints yet please.
hint:
Spoiler
Quote from: blur on Thu 20/02/2020 22:40:48
Spoiler
It is PUTIN's telephone number?
There is something there.
Spoiler
PLANS
Spoiler
'Old school' (2000?) phone keypad typing
Ah, nice! Quite a lovely code actually.
I doubt we would have gotten it without that joke about Putin.
Nice one. I still don’t get the Putin reference though :-(
Oh man, good one!
Quote from: Kweepa on Sun 23/02/2020 16:59:22
Spoiler
PLANS
Spoiler
'Old school' (2000?) phone keypad typing
Correct, could it have been solved without the clue, i wonder.
Quote from: Stupot on Mon 24/02/2020 00:16:07
Nice one. I still don’t get the Putin reference though :-(
Spoiler
The joke answer "Putin's telephone number?" led to the code creator giving the hint "You're not far off", or something like that, which led to the solver thinking about telephones, I'm assuming.
Nice code! Definitely not ‘easy’ though.
got the idea from an old episode of NCIS where a guy was locked in a coffin and they recovered his phone and saw he seemed to enter a bunch of random numbers until one of them realized he wasn't just entering random numbers because he was losing air but was typing a text message
Quote from: Stupot on Mon 24/02/2020 00:16:07
I still don’t get the Putin reference though :-(
+7 is the international telephone prefix of the Russian Federation. I did not dare to dial it though, as what if it REALLY were Putin's telephone number?!
Quote from: blur on Mon 24/02/2020 18:30:46
Quote from: Stupot on Mon 24/02/2020 00:16:07
I still don’t get the Putin reference though :-(
+7 is the international telephone prefix of the Russian Federation. I did not dare to dial it though, as what if it REALLY were Putin's telephone number?!
Ahh. I wondered if it was because Putin in an anagram of input, which is a relevant word, coincidentally.
That would have really been funny if I had put: 788 844466. using the code i used that would be "PUTIN" lol
Quote from: dayowlron on Tue 25/02/2020 20:58:34
That would have really been funny if I had put: 788 844466. using the code i used that would be "PUTIN" lol
And most likely is his actual number.
New puzzle:
SKAGIRNIAV
Quote from: Kweepa on Wed 26/02/2020 05:46:31
New puzzle:
SKAGIRNIAV
Well, for starters there are no
Spoiler
Country two-letter abbreviations of AV, nor is there an element indicated by AV on the table of elements. But I think the letters are paired somehow because there are ten in total.
On the right tracks, both of you...
Spoiler
Stupot, I wondered why you had translated into French for a second. Of course it's not a coincidence... [é used to be es in French] But it needs to be more specific - Mandle is right too.
Quote from: Kweepa on Wed 26/02/2020 15:18:16
On the right tracks, both of you...
Spoiler
Stupot, I wondered why you had translated into French for a second. Of course it's not a coincidence... [é used to be es in French] But it needs to be more specific - Mandle is right too.
Spoiler
My thinking was that it’s STATE but backwards. Because if you write the clue backwards you get VAINRIGAKS, which his made up of 5 US state codes (Virginia, Indiana, Rhode Island, Georgia, Kansas).
Spoiler
You are right about the states, but the backwards part was just to make it less obvious. See Mandle's post.
Quote from: Kweepa on Thu 27/02/2020 14:53:28
Spoiler
You are right about the states, but the backwards part was just to make it less obvious. See Mandle's post.
Spoiler
STATE
Not there yet...
Spoiler
Like Mandle said, there are five states...
Spoiler
TAPIR
(The first letter of each of the capital cities of each of the states Stupot discovered in the code.)
Success! :)
Yay teamwork!
Quote from: Mandle on Fri 28/02/2020 05:22:01
Spoiler
TAPIR
(The first letter of each of the capital cities of each of the states Stupot discovered in the code.)
Damn, I even thought about this and did the research but decide that...
Spoiler
RIPAT is not a word haha
Well done Mandle.
(laugh)
Working on a new one.
10=50
50=110.23122101
12.803437398=11.26545
11.26545=7
7=?
A hint so things don't stall:
Spoiler
Ratios
An extra hint is due I think
Spoiler
Units
One is
Spoiler
50 kg=110.23122101 lb
Spoiler
10 hands = 50 fingers? :-D
1 of them is close: 7 Miles = 11.265408 Kilometers
Quote from: dayowlron on Wed 04/03/2020 17:05:00
1 of them is close: 7 Miles = 11.265408 Kilometers
Is that your official guess. If not:
Spoiler
MILES
YOINK! :-D
Quote from: Stupot on Thu 05/03/2020 03:06:20
Quote from: dayowlron on Wed 04/03/2020 17:05:00
1 of them is close: 7 Miles = 11.265408 Kilometers
Is that your official guess. If not:
Spoiler
MILES
Stupot wins the round!!!
Spoiler
It was all about converting Metric system units to Imperial system units:
10=50 (Celsius to Fahrenheit)
50=110.23122101 (Kilograms to Pounds)
12.803437398=11.26545 (Liters to Imperial Quarts)
11.26545=7 (Kilometers to Miles)
7=MILES
interesting puzzle and not to be nitpicky but 7 miles is 11.265408, but u had 7=11.26545
Rounding off that would be 11.26541.
Anyways, I liked that puzzle.
Quote from: dayowlron on Fri 06/03/2020 21:09:38
interesting puzzle and not to be nitpicky but 7 miles is 11.265408, but u had 7=11.26545
Rounding off that would be 11.26541.
Anyways, I liked that puzzle.
The online calculator I used lied to me then!
:-D >:( :P :~( ;-D
Quote from: lorenzo on Sat 07/03/2020 18:06:46
Spoiler
Batch?
Yeah, thought I'd throw in an easy one while we were waiting.
Yes, it was pretty easy, even for me! ;)
Quote from: lorenzo on Sun 08/03/2020 16:50:50
Yes, it was pretty easy, even for me! ;)
Well, let's see what you got.
I think Stu might be busy on a quest for toilet paper and cup noodles.
5705
What's missing?
Hahaha no
Quote from: dayowlron on Tue 18/02/2020 15:22:21
This one may be an easy one:
75552667777
I used this puzzle with a different code word for the puzzle pod in our office and my colleagues had a hard time solving it. They thought it was very clever :)
Nopers.
Hint:
Spoiler
...there's no...
Quote from: Mandle on Sun 15/03/2020 07:24:17
Hint:
Spoiler
...there's no...
Spoiler
toilet roll
Nope
Hint time:
Spoiler
Say the numbers "5705" out loud but say the "0" as the alphabet letter "o".
Quote from: Mandle on Thu 19/03/2020 12:28:13
Hint time:
Spoiler
Say the numbers "5705" out loud but say the "0" as the alphabet letter "o".
Spoiler
seven
HINT:
Spoiler
Younger people might need Google for this one...
Quote from: dayowlron on Fri 20/03/2020 16:18:08
Spoiler
Reply?
We have a winner!
Spoiler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=315SXJhQNzU
I can honestly say I’ve never heard that song before.
Quote from: Stupot on Sat 21/03/2020 00:24:35
I can honestly say I’ve never heard that song before.
It's pretty old, but I was counting on it being one of the top "impossible-to-forget" ditties of all time (at least the 5705 bit) for people who have heard it.
Guess not...
The problem is that it was too culture/region specific again and not a logic puzzle that can be solved by logical ;) thinking.
I love 70s music, and never heard that one either. :-\ besides I was reading it as "fifty seven O five"... (laugh)
Quote from: blur on Sun 22/03/2020 10:25:38
The problem is that it was too culture/region specific again and not a logic puzzle that can be solved by logical ;) thinking.
Oh, I've done plenty that are just straight logic. There's no rule they have to be though. There's no rule against using Google as well. A few different ones to mix things up is fine.
(Type 5705 into Google and see what comes up as the first hit)
Quote from: Mandle on Sun 22/03/2020 12:06:52
There's no rule against using Google as well.
There is, in the first post it is written: »Don't google the solution.«
Quote from: blur on Sun 22/03/2020 13:54:12
Quote from: Mandle on Sun 22/03/2020 12:06:52
There's no rule against using Google as well.
There is, in the first post it is written: »Don't google the solution.«
(https://i.imgur.com/2Dw3e6e.jpg)
Sorry, I just assumed there wasn't such a rule. Seems a bit strange that there is one for puzzles that are supposed to be original creations and whose solutions wouldn't be on google anyway.
No new puzzle posted by anyone else yet, so here's one that doesn't require cultural knowledge:
Put the required keys into as many locks even when suspicious. The central thing to remember is that counting by twos can be fun. The only other thing to remember is that starting back at the beginning is not always the best idea. At times, a mathematical variable can be used to solve the problem. But, sometimes simple logic, can be enough to get the job done. Whatever you do, do not fall into the trap of reading everything I just said.
I'm not sure if people have tried and need a hint maybe, or if nobody has even seen the puzzle.
Seen it, but can't make heads or tails out of it. :-[
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Fri 27/03/2020 16:37:30
Seen it, but can't make heads or tails out of it. :-[
HINT
Spoiler
"Heads or tails" is binary! Binary means "two"!!!
HINT:
Spoiler
The second sentence provides the first key.
HEAVY HINT:
Spoiler
Read the second sentence and apply the hint within in to the first sentence.
I haven't followed how this thread developed, but is this about factorials? (!)
Thinking this cause in probability it makes no sense to re-visit the start, since usually the starting position is filled by everything possible.
Spoiler
Primes? But that's 6 letters... :-[
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Mon 30/03/2020 19:44:06
Spoiler
Primes? But that's 6 letters... :-[
Spoiler
That's the correct first step.
trims?
Quote from: dayowlron on Tue 31/03/2020 03:04:59
trims?
HINT:
Spoiler
Your method was correct but just wrongly applied. The hint to how to apply this method is in the third sentence.
HINT:
Spoiler
Count how many sentences there are, and then read their advice again.
HINT:
Spoiler
There are five sentences after the first one.
HINT:
Spoiler
I honestly don't know any further hints I could give without just explaining the solution. :P
I have no idea :-(
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 05/04/2020 23:21:19
I have no idea :-(
Cassie already found the key in the first sentence.
covet?
Spoiler
I always feel so stupid reading this thread... (laugh) Still have absolutely no idea.
And I suck at counting primes or remembering numbers anyway. :-[
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Mon 06/04/2020 20:53:28
Spoiler
I always feel so stupid reading this thread... (laugh) Still have absolutely no idea.
And I suck at counting primes or remembering numbers anyway. :-[
Spoiler
You could just google "List Of Prime Numbers". That's what I did just to be sure.
Quote from: tzachs on Tue 07/04/2020 02:01:36
Spoiler
cover
We have a winner!!!
Sorry dayowlron,
Spoiler
9 is not a prime number. 3x3=9. :P
Spoiler
I did google the prime numbers, but as I said keeping track of numbers isn't something my brain is good at.
And see, I still haven't figured how they got to the solution. (roll)
EDIT: Oh, okay, got it now. That was hard and my head hurts. (laugh)
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Tue 07/04/2020 07:22:19
Spoiler
I did google the prime numbers, but as I said keeping track of numbers isn't something my brain is good at.
And see, I still haven't figured how they got to the solution. (roll)
EDIT: Oh, okay, got it now. That was hard and my head hurts. (laugh)
Spoiler
It was the same method you used to unlock the first key, except with prime numbers instead of counting by two and applied separately to each sentence after the first (as hinted at in the text with "Don't go back to the start".
I still have no idea what’s going on. Any chance of an idiot-proof explanation of the solution?
I'd like that too :)
Though, imho, I am not sure if we aren't stretching the likeness of such riddles being understood without hints.
Next it will be something about how many factorials in stepped fractions of an infinite sum are needed to calculate x digits of (eg) e :=
Sure Stu, I'll give it a try if someone else isn't faster than me. (laugh)
Spoiler
The second sentence mentions counting by twos. If you apply that to the first sentence, and take the first letter of every second word, you get: Primes
Then if apply that t the second sentence (cause you should not start at the beginning), the 1st letter of the 2nd word in the 2nd sentence (c), then the 1st letter of the 3rd word in the 3rd sentence (o), the 1st letter of 5th word in the 4th sentence (v), the 1st of the 7th in the 5th (e) and last the 1st of the 11th on the 6th (r). And uff, it hurts my brain. (laugh)
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Tue 07/04/2020 15:50:36
Sure Stu, I'll give it a try if someone else isn't faster than me. (laugh)
Spoiler
The second sentence mentions counting by twos. If you apply that to the first sentence, and take the first letter of every second word, you get: Primes
Then if apply that t the second sentence (cause you should not start at the beginning), the 1st letter of the 2nd word in the 2nd sentence (c), then the 1st letter of the 3rd word in the 3rd sentence (o), the 1st letter of 5th word in the 4th sentence (v), the 1st of the 7th in the 5th (e) and last the 1st of the 11th on the 6th (r). And uff, it hurts my brain. (laugh)
Well, that was simple enough. But there really should have been a general case for n sentences and ratio for the first sentence which should be in limit form (laugh)
Yes! Let's have some more entertaining and yet still challenging codes!
Quote from: KyriakosCH on Tue 07/04/2020 15:47:46
I'd like that too :)
Though, imho, I am not sure if we aren't stretching the likeness of such riddles being understood without hints.
Next it will be something about how many factorials in stepped fractions of an infinite sum are needed to calculate x digits of (eg) e :=
I would dearly love to have a go at one of yours. If the solver of this one passes then you are welcome to present the next one.
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Tue 07/04/2020 15:50:36
Sure Stu, I'll give it a try if someone else isn't faster than me. (laugh)
Spoiler
The second sentence mentions counting by twos. If you apply that to the first sentence, and take the first letter of every second word, you get: Primes
Then if apply that t the second sentence (cause you should not start at the beginning), the 1st letter of the 2nd word in the 2nd sentence (c), then the 1st letter of the 3rd word in the 3rd sentence (o), the 1st letter of 5th word in the 4th sentence (v), the 1st of the 7th in the 5th (e) and last the 1st of the 11th on the 6th (r). And uff, it hurts my brain. (laugh)
A very good explanation but a bit complicated.
Spoiler
The second sentence mentions counting by twos. If you apply that to the first sentence, and take the first letter of every second word, counting by twos, you get: PRIMES. Then, if you apply prime numbers to the following 5 sentences (following the hint to not start back at the beginning) and use the exact same method of noting the first letters of words then you get the answer of COVER.
Sorry if this puzzle annoyed anyone. It took me quite some time to plan out and arrange the sentences so that they fitted the code-key and yet did not quite give away the hidden code by being too weird and obvious. Maybe I went a bit too far?
Quote from: Mandle on Tue 07/04/2020 16:30:14
Quote from: KyriakosCH on Tue 07/04/2020 15:47:46
I'd like that too :)
Though, imho, I am not sure if we aren't stretching the likeness of such riddles being understood without hints.
Next it will be something about how many factorials in stepped fractions of an infinite sum are needed to calculate x digits of (eg) e :=
I would dearly love to have a go at one of yours. If the solver of this one passes then you are welcome to present the next one.
Thank you, my friend :)
I still recall your lovely "Ball" short story in the competitions. Re riddles, I think I only once posted one (about a mosquito bite := )
(so I am pretty sure I wouldn't be able to come up with any good riddle)
Quote from: KyriakosCH on Tue 07/04/2020 16:58:48
I still recall your lovely "Ball" short story in the competitions.
That was a pretty good one if I do say so myself.
Thanks for the explanation Cassie and Mandle. It was too dense for me in the end.
No new ones recently so I hope I can butt in with one because I love this thread, and I love seeing it grow page by page...
1:1
3:7
8:4
12:15
14:20
Give a hint.
Nevermind.
My current attempts don't seem to have produced nothing useful. :-\
Spoiler
Page:1st letter of word in # thread = MIASC
Page: # reply poster name: CMBLM
Reply#:1st letter of word= AYAB--- (not enough words)
Reply#:letter = ARTRC
Reply#:character = ARCEO
(roll)
Do we need to read the bible or do math to get this one?
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Tue 14/04/2020 20:44:54
My current attempts don't seem to have produced nothing useful. :-\
Spoiler
Page:1st letter of word in # thread = MIASC
Page: # reply poster name: CMBLM
Reply#:1st letter of word= AYAB--- (not enough words)
Reply#:letter = ARTRC
Reply#:character = ARCEO
(roll)
Do we need to read the bible or do math to get this one?
I tried some math and linguistic-math combinations (not to say I tried everything), and got nothing :)
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Tue 14/04/2020 20:44:54
Do we need to read the bible or do math to get this one?
Nope.
Spoiler
You were kind of on the right track with a few of your attempts, but not quite.
Is it:
Spoiler
MOPED?
The first letter of the first post on the first page, then the seventh letter of the first post on the third page, and so on.
If that's the solution, I would never have gotten it without seeing Cassiebsg's attempts. :-D
Oh, I had
Spoiler
MOPAD at one point. :-\ But forgot what I was testing. (laugh)
Hm, well if it references the thread, it is a bit of a trick ^_^
Quote from: Cuiki on Wed 15/04/2020 16:50:23
Is it:
Spoiler
MOPED?
The first letter of the first post on the first page, then the seventh letter of the first post on the third page, and so on.
If that's the solution, I would never have gotten it without seeing Cassiebsg's attempts. :-D
BINGO!!! Well done! And, yeah, the hints in the initial puzzle post were the phrases "this thread" and "page by page".
That isn't (imo) good. But now you can't pull the same trick twice (nod) :=
Quote from: KyriakosCH on Wed 15/04/2020 22:15:36
That isn't (imo) good. But now you can't pull the same trick twice (nod) :=
I will add "Don't include references within the thread" to the list of things people didn't like about my codes:
Don't include cultural stuff some people might not know about.
Don't include too much math stuff.
Don't include specific knowledge of fields people might not be familiar with.
Don't include references within the thread.
(There were a few more that I forgot about)
So, basically, create a code that exists within its own vacuum that anyone can solve but still offers a decent but fair challenge for everyone...
Possible, but very hard to do consistently.
:-D := :-D
Naw, I think the fact that the codes get solved eventually is good enough.
Everyone shouldn't be happy all the time.
Stupot said it best I feel... "I like how it often feels like a community effort to solve each code."
It takes a village to raise a key :=
Quote from: Mandle on Wed 15/04/2020 22:08:10
BINGO!!! Well done! And, yeah, the hints in the initial puzzle post were the phrases "this thread" and "page by page".
Okay, cool! I'll post a new puzzle later today.
Quote from: Cuiki on Thu 16/04/2020 05:28:11
Quote from: Mandle on Wed 15/04/2020 22:08:10
BINGO!!! Well done! And, yeah, the hints in the initial puzzle post were the phrases "this thread" and "page by page".
Okay, cool! I'll post a new puzzle later today.
YAY!!! I want to try and solve one instead of getting bashed for how bad mine were (remember, all entrants can ask for their money back at any time)...
Here's one (hopefully I'm not breaking any rules):
Donut exchange! Which one do you want? Hashtag one chocolate donut for two blueberry :)
Quote from: lorenzo on Thu 16/04/2020 15:11:23
Spoiler
Green?
That was quick! Good work :)
For anyone wondering how to get to the solution:
Spoiler
Shorten "Hashtag one chocolate donut for two blueberry" to #1cd42b, which is a hex code for green.
I think it was a really cool puzzle!
I'm not good at making up puzzles, so if someone has a new one, please post it. :-D
Quote from: Mandle on Thu 16/04/2020 08:03:30
YAY!!! I want to try and solve one instead of getting bashed for how bad mine were (remember, all entrants can ask for their money back at any time)...
I don't think any of the puzzles you posted were bad. The only one I didn't like was
Spoiler
the 5705 one, because I've never heard the song before, and then it became stuck in my head. :P
Thanks!
I also liked your puzzles, Mandle, so I hope you don't get discouraged from posting more.
Quote from: Cuiki on Fri 17/04/2020 05:27:53
Thanks!
I also liked your puzzles, Mandle, so I hope you don't get discouraged from posting more.
No, not at all... Cheers for the good words. I just thought the complaints were kind of funny and did a thing with them.
I mean, if a puzzle can be solved by someone on an internet forum and people complain that it wasn't the exact puzzle that they were able to solve.
That's kind of funny.
(https://i.imgur.com/3LIOFkw.jpg)
Noise? (laugh)
Quote from: josiah1221 on Sun 26/04/2020 00:32:58
Spoiler
grail
Hahaha!!! Of course Tim would be the one to find it.
Correct!
Personally I don’t think we should be allowed to post puzzles which require people to have two eyes.
Spoiler
:-*
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 26/04/2020 01:12:50
Personally I don’t think we should be allowed to post puzzles which require people to have two eyes.
Spoiler
:-*
(laugh) (laugh) (laugh)
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 26/04/2020 01:12:50
Personally I don’t think we should be allowed to post puzzles which require people to have two eyes.
Of course this was intended as a harmless joke and me myself fell into the ableist trap when I thought of replying that you can solve the puzzle with the help of an image editor when one happens to be one-eyed or otherwise stereo-vision impaired, we all failed to think of people with no vision at all.
Spoiler
(https://files.catbox.moe/brqgdb.jpg)
Quote from: blur on Sun 26/04/2020 08:03:05
Of course this was intended as a harmless joke and me myself fell into the ableist trap when I thought of replying that you can solve the puzzle with the help of an image editor when one happens to be one-eyed or otherwise stereo-vision impaired, we all failed to think of people with no vision at all.
If they have one of those braille pads would they need two hands to experience the image in stereo? Oh my gaaaaawd. the puzzle might be discriminating against blind, one-handed people!
Just threw one together, pretty simple, but maybe it will give a little challenge.
da tjp hvyz do ocdn avm tjp vmz cvga rvt oczmz
pnz ocz xgpzn wzgjr oj ydnxjqzm ocz hzocjy kmzkvmzy
14:1
3:2
17:7
5:4
20:5
6:3
Spoiler
Well I came up with XVZNVM by taking your numbers and grabbing Word 14 Letter 1, as there are 20 words (or at least, groups of letters). Half of these are Roman numerals but I can't come up with anything significant (15zvn1000 doesn't mean anything to me), nor can I do anything with assigning numerical values to the letters or inverting them (Z=A etc).
Can't seem to get any further than this. Am I along the right sort of lines here?
Captain D you missed one step:
Spoiler
It’s a Caesar cipher. Move each letter 5 back then try again.
Good job Stu!
squish?