Subscribe now

Puzzle #235: How can you guarantee you’ll win a soft toy at the fair?

Can you solve this week’s arithmetical puzzle, Sneak a peek? Plus the answer to puzzle #234

16 August 2023

New Scientist Default Image

#235 Sneak a peek

Set by Katie Steckles

At the funfair, 10 pots are stacked in a line along a shelf. Under two adjacent pots are the two keys that are needed to unlock the prize cabinet that contains a soft toy.

It costs £1 to enter the game, and all you have to do is guess which two pots you think the keys are under, for example you could say “8 and 9” – but your odds of guessing correctly first time are low.

However, before playing you can also pay extra to “sneak a peek” under one or more…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account