thnik again!

Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money. – Jules Renard

A long time ago I read about Robert Abbott’s card came Eulisis that simulates the process of discovery. I even purchased a booklet through the mail; this was pre-Internet times, and played it with my students. Now you can find the rules here. Highly recommended!

Puzzle Monster: You’ve been designing games and puzzles a good long time. How did you get started?

Robert Abbott: I should say that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere if Martin Gardner had not discovered me. In 1959 I sent him a letter about my card game Eleusis. This letter was from a complete unknown, someone with no publications or academic credentials. The majority of editors and the majority of writers wouldn’t have even read my letter. Martin not only read my letter but he saw what was good about Eleusis. I had mentioned that the game involved inductive reasoning, but Martin also saw that the game could be an analogy for the scientific method. He devoted his next Scientific American column to Eleusis, and the game became quite popular. – Read the full interview.

 

This week has seen four of Robert Abbott’s puzzles. When I saw his name in a Google search I thought I had seen his name before, but could not remember where. Finally, the Eulisis connection floated to the surface.

Wikipedia has this to say about Robert Abbott.

A string figure is a design formed by manipulating string on, around, and using one’s fingers or sometimes between the fingers of multiple people. String figures may also involve the use of the mouth, wrist, and feet. They may consist of singular images or be created and altered as a game, known as a string game, or as part of a story involving various figures made in sequence. String figures have also been used for divination, such as to predict the sex of an unborn child. – Wikipedia

If you haven’t made string figures, this is your chance! Some videos to get you started.

Start in the upper-left corner and move horisontally or vertically the distance shown on the current square. If you, sooner, rather than later, reach the Goal you may whisper “Hurrah”!

Play it here.

Problem creator: Robert Abbott.

I passionately hate the idea of being with it, I think an artist has always to be out of step with his time. – Orson Welles

First, click on the diagram to get the program started. Then, use the arrow keys to move Theseus (the red circle). The idea is to get Theseus to the exit without him being eaten by the Minotaur (the black circle). For each move that Theseus makes, the Minotaur makes two moves. He always tries to get closer to Theseus. It he can move one square horizontally and get closer, he will do that. If he can’t move horizontally, then he will try to move vertically.

Play it online here. There are 10 mazes for your plate.

Problem creator: Robert Abbott.

Every journalist has a novel in him, which is an excellent place for it. – Russell Lynes

Start on the red square and try to reach the goal. You move in the direction of the arrow. First you move one square, but when you land on a red arrow the distance you move each time is increased by 1. When you land on a square with a yellow arrow it is decreased by 1. Play it here.

Problem creator: Robert Abbott.

Someday I want to be rich. Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That’s how rich I want to be. – Rita Rudner

That circle with the two little eyeballs is you. The eyeballs show which direction you’re facing. What you have to do is make a series of moves that will get you onto the square (or squares) marked GOAL. To indicate your move, click on the square you are moving to …

In the above position I thought I was one move away from the solution. Then I realised I was not allowed to move backwards! Play it here.

Problem creator: Robert Abbott.