Today’s two puzzles are from my new book Think twice: solve the simple puzzles that (almost) everyone gets wrong.
As readers of this column will know, I like a counter-intuitive puzzle, ie when the obvious answer is not the right one.
But then again, today I might be bluffing. You have been warned.
1) Pint-sized problem
Which is longer? a) the height of this pint glass, or b) the circumference of its rim?
Comment: you may have seen this question in the context of classic British pint glasses, but I’m asking about continental style pint glasses, which are much thinner and taller.
2) Fool House
You play poker. Which is the stronger of the two hands below?
For clarification, the highest ranking poker hands are, in order of strongest, royal flush, straight flush, four-of-a-kind, and full house. When two hands of the same rank face off, the winner is the hand with the highest value cards. (For a more detailed description of the ranks see below.)
The poker puzzle is one of my favorites. I’ve never met anyone who managed to do that. Don’t let me down!
I’ll be back at 5pm UK with the answers. Meanwhile NO SPOILERS. Please discuss imperial measurements, sand-based containers or card games.
If you enjoy counter-intuitive puzzles, I hope you’ll find a lot to love Think twice. The puzzles are fun to solve in a group – perhaps over a pint, or a game of cards.
Poker definitions: a royal flush is a run of AKQJ10 in a single suit, a straight flush is any other series of consecutive cards of the same suit, a four-of-a-kind is a hand with all four cards of the same value, and a full house is two of one value and three of the other.
Think Twice: Solve the Simple Riddles (Almost) Everyone Gets Wrong (Square Peg, ££12.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy from guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
I’ve been doing a puzzle here on alternate Mondays since 2015. I’m always on the lookout for great puzzles. If you want to suggest one, email me.
