SR 2

Usually, riddles are kind of an all-or-nothing deal. Either you figure it out and get to pat yourself on the back for being smart, or you get to spend a few frustrating minutes trying to find the answer before giving up and feeling like a dummy.

So it’s nice to come across something with a consolation prize, such as this puzzle from Japan that’s said to be harder to solve the smarter the are.

Japanese morning talk shows aren’t really designed to be depositories of hard-hitting journalism and controversial debate. In general, they’re the toast with jam of the television world: light fare meant to ease your brain into the rigors of awake society.

But perhaps based on the logic that some people like to start their day with a cup of strong black coffee, broadcaster Fuji TV’s weekday program Toku Da Ne! served up this morsel for its viewers at 8:02 a.m.

As shared by Japanese Twitter user @tennomichi_nana, Toku Da Ne! billed the question as “Something that can’t be solved if you’re smart.”

Can you figure it out? If you need a hint, let’s try rearranging the pattern like this:

1111 = 0
2172 = 0
2222 = 0
3123 = 0
3213 = 0
3333 = 0
5531 = 0
5555 = 0
7111 = 0
7777 = 0
1012 = 1
7756 = 1
9313 = 1
7662 = 2
6855 = 3
8193 = 3
0000 = 4
6666 = 4
9999 = 4
8096 = 5
9881 = 5
8809 = 6

So, what’s the correct answer?
.
.
.
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.
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2581 = 2

To solve the puzzle, all you have to do is count up the total number of closed circles in each four-digit number, which is why 0000 = 4, but 1111 = 0. Essentially 0, 6, and 9 are each worth one point, while 8 is worth two (4 is worth nothing, since unless your penmanship is really bad it should contain a triangle, not a circle).

But remember not to beat yourself up if you were stumped. After all, if you had no idea at all, you must be a genius.

Source: Jin
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