<off topic - another puzzle solution>
The following is based on a classic logic puzzle, meaning, yes, there is a real solution:
Mob boss Gambino Genovese was looking for a financial advisor. After extensive research he narrowed the field down to the three most intelligent people he could find, one of which was (insert your name here). It was now time to determine which of the three was worthy to be his advisor by pitting them against each other in a battle of wits.
The three candidates were led blindfolded into a room and seated around a small wooden table. The mob boss described the test as follows:
"Upon each of your heads I have placed a hat. Now you are either wearing a blue hat or a white hat. All I will tell you is this- at least one of you is wearing a blue hat. There may be only one blue hat and two white hats, there may be two blue hats and one white hat, or there may be three blue hats. But you may be certain that there are not three white hats."
"I will shortly remove your blind folds, and the test will begin. The first to correctly announce the color of his hat shall be my advisor. Be warned however, he who guesses wrongly shall be executed immediately. If not one of you answers within the hour, you will all be executed immediately."
The mob boss removed all the blindfolds and sat in the corner and waited. (Your name here) looked around and saw that his competitors each were wearing blue hats. From the look in their eyes he could see their thoughts were the same as his, "What is the color of my hat?"
For what seemed like hours no one spoke. Finally he stood up and said, "The color of the hat I am wearing is..."
- Jeff
ragingbull.lycos.com
The color of the hat I am wearing is ... blue.
Rationale: If any of the three potential advisors saw two white hats on the other two then they would immediately know their hat was blue. Since no one answered, no one saw two white hats (Of course, you already know that from the fact that you saw two blue hats). Now suppose your hat is white. Your two companions (call them X and Y) would each see one white hat and one blue hat. X could then reason that if his hat was white then Y would see two white hats and immediately know his hat is blue. A similar argument apples to Y. Since neither X or Y answered, my hat is blue. |
