Flip-the-counters Puzzle
New activity
This puzzle challenges players to flip sixteen counters, which are black on one side and white on the other, into an alternating pattern -- in the fewest number of moves.
Open Activity
How-to Video
- Write a review
Related Programming Resources
| Hints for uses in your library | Create your own puzzle set using a set of "counters" (available as math teaching sets) or use two-color plastic disks, such as from the game Othello. The interview video in the links below set up this activity in an engaging way; have the video available for participants on a tablet or computer. One puzzle set and video could be used by a single participant or family at a time, or multiple sets could be provided for a facilitated group activity. |
| Facilitator Guide | Additional ideas from "Maths Week at Work" |
| Related Links |
Interview with Dr Steven O'Hagan (Deputy Director of the UK Mathematics Trust) and introduction to the puzzle
Solution to the puzzle |
| Originating Source | The University of Edinburgh School of Mathematics |
| Related Books | Suggest a book |