FOOD FOR THOUGHT


Brainteaser

The Prisoner Hat Riddle: Three prisoners are told that two of them will wear a black hat and one will wear a white hat. They will stand in a line facing forward so that the last person can see the two in front, the middle person can see the one in front, and the person in front can’t see anyone. They are not allowed to turn around or communicate. If one can figure out the color of his hat, they all go free. The last person in line, who sees the two hats in front of him, says he doesn’t know the color of his hat. The middle person, who sees the hat in front of him, also says he doesn’t know the color of his hat. The first person, who can’t see anyone, then correctly guesses the color of his hat. What color is it and how did he know?

Want to read this article?

Subscribe to access Deep Dive articles, book reviews, podcasts, Ask the Founder, and access to our members-only forum.

Become a Member

Already a subscriber? Sign in