Cluedo Christmas

[DDRM]

Shortly after the famous terrible event, the Reverend Green is sitting in the library, planning his “Nine Lessons and Carols” service for the Cluedo Manor estate. He notices that it is rather cold. The valve on the lead piping leading to the radiator is rather stiff, so he uses the wrench that sits nearby for the purpose to open it up a little.
He knows that the squire, Colonel Mustard, is very particular about the length of the service, and his contribution to the collection will depend heavily upon it: the service should be as close as possible to 75 minutes – less and he feels short-changed, longer and he gets restive because of his war-wounds (and bladder).
There are (amazingly!) nine lessons, each of which should last the length of their number in minutes (i.e. the 1st lesson should take one min, the 2nd two mins ...the 9th nine mins). The first eight lessons will be read alternately by Miss Scarlett (the Colonel’s Niece, and host for the evening), and Professor Plum (who is also the choir master). Either may start. Miss Scarlett tends to gabble, and will take 25% less time than expected (i.e. for every 4 mins reading she will take 3), while Professor Plum is rather ponderous, and takes 25% longer (i.e. for every 4 mins he will take 5). The final lesson will be read by the Rev. Green, who reads at a perfect pace.
The choir have rehearsed 12 carols, but will only sing 10 (one at the start, and then one after each reading). The carols have the following durations (in minutes):
1.5, 1.8, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 3.5, 3.6, 3.9, 4.0, 4.7, 5.3
The evening will proceed thus:
7.15: Guests will arrive in the Hall, be greeted by Miss Scarlett, and leave their coats in the Billiard Room, before sitting down in the Ballroom, where the service will occur. Choir members go to the Conservatory to warm up and get ready, before moving to the Ballroom at 7.29.
7.30: Colonel Mustard will enter the Ballroom, and the candle-lit service will begin.
8.45: The service will end, and guests will be shown to the dining room, where Colonel Mustard will join them a few minutes later, and pull the rope to summon the food.
8.50: Mrs. White, the cook, will emerge from the kitchen, bringing the flaming Christmas pudding, which she will then slice with the dagger, before serving all the guests.
9.30: All guests will depart, and Colonel Mustard will retire to his study, for a small snifter before bed.

In order to maximise the Colonel’s contribution, (a) who should read first, and (b) which two carols should be omitted from the service? While you are at it, who did the murder, where, and with what weapon?

[Richard Russell]

In order to maximise the Colonel’s contribution, (a) who should read first, and (b) which two carols should be omitted from the service? While you are at it, who did the murder, where, and with what weapon?

DeepSeek's answer:

Alright, let's try to figure out how to maximize Colonel Mustard's contribution by making the service as close as possible to 75 minutes. The problem has two parts: deciding whether Miss Scarlett or Professor Plum should read first, and which two carols to omit. Then, there's the Cluedo murder mystery part, but let's tackle the timing first.

First, let's outline the structure of the service. There are nine lessons, each with a duration based on their number. The first eight lessons are read alternately by Miss Scarlett and Professor Plum. The ninth lesson is read by Reverend Green, taking exactly 9 minutes. Between each lesson, there's a carol. There are 12 carols, but only 10 will be sung: one at the start and one after each of the nine lessons. So we need to omit two carols.

The total duration of the service will be the sum of the durations of the lessons (adjusted for the readers' speeds) plus the sum of the 10 carols chosen. We need this total to be as close as possible to 75 minutes.

First, let's calculate the time taken for the lessons. The first eight lessons are numbered 1 to 8, each with a nominal duration equal to their number. Miss Scarlett reads her lessons 25% faster, meaning her time is 75% of the nominal time. Professor Plum reads 25% slower, so his time is 125% of the nominal time. The ninth lesson is exactly 9 minutes.

Since the first eight lessons are alternated between Miss Scarlett and Professor Plum, depending on who starts first, the sequence of readers will be different. Let's denote S for Miss Scarlett and P for Professor Plum. If Miss Scarlett starts, the sequence is S, P, S, P, S, P, S, P. If Professor Plum starts, it's P, S, P, S, P, S, P, S. Each of these sequences will affect the total time for the lessons.

Let's compute the total time for both scenarios.

Case 1: Miss Scarlett starts first.

Lessons 1 to 8: S, P, S, P, S, P, S, P.

Each lesson's actual time:

Lesson 1 (S): 1 * 0.75 = 0.75 minutes

Lesson 2 (P): 2 * 1.25 = 2.5 minutes

Lesson 3 (S): 3 * 0.75 = 2.25 minutes

Lesson 4 (P): 4 * 1.25 = 5 minutes

Lesson 5 (S): 5 * 0.75 = 3.75 minutes

Lesson 6 (P): 6 * 1.25 = 7.5 minutes

Lesson 7 (S): 7 * 0.75 = 5.25 minutes

Lesson 8 (P): 8 * 1.25 = 10 minutes

Adding these up: 0.75 + 2.5 + 2.25 + 5 + 3.75 + 7.5 + 5.25 + 10

Let me calculate step by step:

0.75 + 2.5 = 3.25

3.25 + 2.25 = 5.5

5.5 + 5 = 10.5

10.5 + 3.75 = 14.25

14.25 + 7.5 = 21.75

21.75 + 5.25 = 27

27 + 10 = 37 minutes for the first eight lessons.

Then add the ninth lesson: 37 + 9 = 46 minutes total for all lessons.

Case 2: Professor Plum starts first.

Sequence: P, S, P, S, P, S, P, S.

Lesson 1 (P): 1 * 1.25 = 1.25 minutes

Lesson 2 (S): 2 * 0.75 = 1.5 minutes

Lesson 3 (P): 3 * 1.25 = 3.75 minutes

Lesson 4 (S): 4 * 0.75 = 3 minutes

Lesson 5 (P): 5 * 1.25 = 6.25 minutes

Lesson 6 (S): 6 * 0.75 = 4.5 minutes

Lesson 7 (P): 7 * 1.25 = 8.75 minutes

Lesson 8 (S): 8 * 0.75 = 6 minutes

Adding these up:

1.25 + 1.5 = 2.75

2.75 + 3.75 = 6.5

6.5 + 3 = 9.5

9.5 + 6.25 = 15.75

15.75 + 4.5 = 20.25

20.25 + 8.75 = 29

29 + 6 = 35 minutes for the first eight lessons.

Adding the ninth lesson: 35 + 9 = 44 minutes total for all lessons.

So, depending on who starts first, the total lesson time is either 46 minutes (Miss Scarlett first) or 44 minutes (Professor Plum first).

Now, the carols: there are 12 carols with durations:

1.5, 1.8, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 3.5, 3.6, 3.9, 4.0, 4.7, 5.3

We need to choose 10 carols, so we need to omit two. The total duration of the carols will be the sum of the 10 selected. Our goal is to have the total service time (lessons + carols) as close to 75 minutes as possible.

First, let's compute the total duration of all 12 carols:

1.5 + 1.8 = 3.3

3.3 + 2.3 = 5.6

5.6 + 2.5 = 8.1

8.1 + 2.7 = 10.8

10.8 + 3.0 = 13.8

13.8 + 3.5 = 17.3

17.3 + 3.6 = 20.9

20.9 + 3.9 = 24.8

24.8 + 4.0 = 28.8

28.8 + 4.7 = 33.5

33.5 + 5.3 = 38.8 minutes total for all 12 carols.

If we need to omit two carols, the total carol time will be 38.8 minus the sum of the two omitted carols. Therefore, the sum of the carols used will be 38.8 - (sum of omitted two). Our goal is to make total service time (lessons + carols) ≈75.

So depending on who starts first, the lesson time is 46 or 44 minutes. Therefore:

If lessons take 46 minutes, carols need to take 75 -46 =29 minutes.

If lessons take 44 minutes, carols need to take 75 -44 =31 minutes.

But since we can only omit two carols, let's see:

Total carol time with all 12 is 38.8. To get carol time as close as possible to 29 or 31 minutes, we need to omit carols whose total duration is 38.8 -29 =9.8 or 38.8 -31=7.8 minutes.

Wait, actually:

If we need carol time to be 29 minutes (when lessons are 46), then sum of carols should be 29, so we need to omit carols totaling 38.8 -29 =9.8 minutes.

If we need carol time to be 31 minutes (when lessons are 44), then omit carols totaling 38.8 -31 =7.8 minutes.

So we need to see which scenario (46 +29=75 vs 44+31=75) is easier to achieve by omitting two carols.

To check which is possible: can we omit two carols summing to approximately 9.8 or 7.8?

First, check 9.8: find two carols whose durations add up to approximately 9.8. The closer the better.

Looking at the carol durations:

1.5, 1.8, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 3.5, 3.6, 3.9, 4.0, 4.7, 5.3

Possible pairs:

The largest two are 5.3 and 4.7, which sum to 10.0. That's more than 9.8. Next: 5.3 +4.0=9.3. That's 0.5 less than 9.8. Alternatively, 4.7 +5.3=10.0, but we already considered that.

Another pair: 4.7 +4.0=8.7. 3.9 +5.3=9.2. 3.9 +4.7=8.6. 3.6 +5.3=8.9. 3.5 +5.3=8.8. Hmm, maybe not.

Wait, 5.3 is the longest. Let's pair 5.3 with others:

5.3 +4.7=10.0

5.3 +4.0=9.3

5.3 +3.9=9.2

5.3 +3.6=8.9

5.3 +3.5=8.8

Similarly, 4.7 +4.0=8.7

So the closest we can get to 9.8 by omitting two carols is 10.0 (5.3 +4.7). That's 0.2 over. Alternatively, 9.3 (5.3 +4.0), which is 0.5 under. So if we omit 5.3 and4.7, total omitted is 10.0, so carol time would be 38.8 -10=28.8. Then total service time would be 46 +28.8=74.8, which is 0.2 minutes short of 75. Alternatively, omitting 5.3 and4.0 (9.3), carol time would be 38.8 -9.3=29.5. Total service time:46 +29.5=75.5. That's 0.5 over. So between those two, which is closer? 74.8 is 0.2 under, 75.5 is 0.5 over. 0.2 is closer. So omitting 5.3 and4.7 (total 10.0) gives 74.8, which is better.

Alternatively, maybe there's another pair that sums closer to 9.8. Let's check other combinations.

For example, 3.9 +5.3=9.2 (as above). 4.0 +5.3=9.3. 4.7 +5.3=10.0.

Is there a combination of two carols that sum to exactly 9.8? Let's see:

Looking at the list:

1.5, 1.8, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 3.5, 3.6, 3.9, 4.0, 4.7, 5.3

Check if any two carols add up to 9.8. Let's check:

Start with the largest carols:

5.3 + x =9.8 → x=4.5. Is there a 4.5? No. Closest are 4.7 and4.0.

4.7 +5.1=9.8. Not available.

4.0 +5.8=9.8. No.

3.9 +5.9=9.8. No.

3.6 +6.2=9.8. No.

Similarly, 3.5 +6.3=9.8. No. So no combination adds to 9.8. Therefore, the closest are 10.0 (5.3+4.7) and9.3 (5.3+4.0). So as above.

Now for the other case where lessons take 44 minutes, requiring carols to take 31 minutes. So total carol time needed is 31, meaning we need to omit 38.8 -31=7.8 minutes. So we need to omit two carols totaling approximately 7.8.

Looking for two carols that add up to 7.8.

Check possible pairs:

1.5 +6.3=7.8 (but 6.3 isn't there)

1.8 +6.0=7.8 (no)

2.3 +5.5=7.8 (no)

2.5 +5.3=7.8 (yes! 2.5 +5.3=7.8 exactly.

So if we omit 2.5 and5.3, that sums to 7.8. Then carol time would be 38.8 -7.8=31.0. Then total service time would be 44 +31=75 exactly. Perfect!

Alternatively, check other combinations:

For example, 3.0 +4.8=7.8 (no 4.8)

3.5 +4.3=7.8 (no)

3.6 +4.2=7.8 (no)

But wait, we already found 2.5 +5.3=7.8. That's exact. Therefore, in this scenario, by omitting 2.5 and5.3, we get exactly 31 minutes of carols, making total service time 75 minutes. Perfect.

Therefore, if we start with Professor Plum, the lessons take 44 minutes, and omitting 2.5 and5.3 carols gives carols exactly 31 minutes, total 75. That's perfect. Whereas starting with Miss Scarlett, the best we can do is 74.8 or 75.5, which are 0.2 under or 0.5 over. Since the Colonel prefers as close as possible, 75 is better.

Therefore, the answer is:

(a) Professor Plum should start first.

(b) Omit the carols with durations 2.5 and5.3 minutes.

Regarding the murder, in Cluedo (Clue), the classic solution involves a suspect, a room, and a weapon. The problem mentions Reverend Green in the library with a wrench. However, in the scenario described, Reverend Green is using the wrench to open the radiator valve. The murder is typically separate from the current actions, but the prompt asks "who did the murder, where, and with what weapon?" based on the given story.

In the story, the Reverend Green is in the library using the wrench. However, the murder hasn't occurred yet, but the setup is similar to the game's premise. However, since the problem mentions "the famous terrible event" shortly before, perhaps the murder has already happened. The story mentions Mrs. White will slice the pudding with the dagger. The initial event may be related to the radiator valve and wrench. However, in traditional Cluedo, the murderer is one of the suspects, in a room, with a weapon.

But given the context here:

- The Reverend Green is in the library with the wrench.

- Mrs. White uses the dagger later.

- Colonel Mustard is the squire.

- Miss Scarlett and Professor Plum are readers.

The murder weapon could be the dagger (used by Mrs. White), but she uses it after the service. Alternatively, the wrench used by Reverend Green. The location is the library. But if the murder happened shortly after the famous terrible event, which is when Reverend Green is in the library, planning, feeling cold, and using the wrench. Perhaps he committed the murder in the library with the wrench. But he's the reverend, so maybe not. Alternatively, someone else.

Wait, the problem says "Shortly after the famous terrible event" implying the event is the murder. The Reverend Green is in the library planning. The guests arrive at 7:15, service starts 7:30, ends 8:45. Then at 8:50 Mrs. White brings the pudding with the dagger. The murder must have happened before the service. The "famous terrible event" is the murder. So who did it, where, and with what weapon.

Given the initial paragraph: Reverend Green is in the library, using the wrench to open the valve. The wrench is nearby for that purpose. The murder weapon could be the wrench. The location is the library. The murderer could be Reverend Green, but in Cluedo, the possible suspects are Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Miss Scarlett, and Mrs. White. Wait, in the story, Mrs. White is the cook, Miss Scarlett is the hostess, Professor Plum is the choir master, Colonel Mustard is the squire, Reverend Green is the planner.

In traditional Cluedo, the possible weapons are candlestick, dagger, lead pipe, revolver, rope, wrench. The rooms include the library, billiard room, ballroom, etc.

In the story, the wrench is used by Reverend Green in the library. The lead piping is mentioned (the valve on the lead piping). The dagger is used by Mrs. White later. The rope is mentioned when Colonel Mustard pulls the rope to summon food.

If the murder happened "shortly after the famous terrible event", which is the murder itself, the victim could be someone, but the story doesn't mention a victim. However, in standard Cluedo, the victim is Mr. Boddy.

Assuming the murder was committed with the wrench in the library by Reverend Green, but he's the one who found the body? Or perhaps the lead piping was the weapon. Wait, the valve is on the lead piping. Maybe the lead pipe is the weapon. So the murder was committed in the library with the lead pipe by someone. The Reverend is there, but maybe Colonel Mustard did it.

Alternatively, given that Reverend Green is using the wrench, which is a possible weapon, but the lead piping is also present. However, the prompt asks "who did the murder, where, and with what weapon?" based on the given story.

Given the story's details:

- The valve on the lead piping is stiff, so Reverend Green uses the wrench to open it.

- The wrench is nearby for that purpose.

- Mrs. White uses the dagger later.

- The rope is in the dining room.

Possible weapons: wrench, dagger, lead pipe, rope.

Rooms: library, billiard room, ballroom, conservatory, kitchen, dining room, study.

Suspects: Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Reverend Green, Mrs. White.

The murder is shortly after the famous terrible event, which is likely the murder itself. Since Reverend Green is in the library with the wrench, maybe he's the killer. But in traditional Cluedo, the murderer is random. However, given the setup here, perhaps the lead piping is the weapon, as it's part of the radiator. The murder could be in the library with the lead pipe by Reverend Green. Alternatively, since he used the wrench, which is a weapon, maybe the wrench.

Alternatively, the murder weapon is the lead pipe, the location is the library, and the murderer is Reverend Green. But since he's the one who found the body or is planning the service, maybe not. Alternatively, Colonel Mustard, but he's the squire. Alternatively, Professor Plum.

But without more clues, it's hard to say. However, in the original Cluedo game, the classic answer is often Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench, but I'm not sure. Alternatively, the lead pipe in the library by Reverend Green.

But let's think about the given story. The Reverend Green is in the library, using the wrench on the lead piping. The lead piping is part of the radiator. The murder weapon could be the lead pipe, and the location is the library. The murderer could be Reverend Green, as he's present there with the wrench, but the lead pipe is part of the structure. Alternatively, the wrench is the weapon.

In traditional Cluedo, the weapons are candlestick, knife, lead pipe, revolver, rope, wrench. So the wrench is a possible weapon. If the murder was committed with the wrench in the library, then the Reverend Green might be the culprit. However, since he's using the wrench for the radiator, maybe he's innocent. Alternatively, someone else used the wrench.

But the problem mentions "the famous terrible event" just before the story starts, so the murder has already happened. The Reverend Green is in the library, planning the service. The guests are arriving. The murder weapon could be the wrench, used in the library by Miss Scarlett or Professor Plum. But without more info, it's tricky.

Wait, the problem says "who did the murder, where, and with what weapon?" So based on the story given, which mentions:

- Reverend Green in the library with the wrench.

- Mrs. White using the dagger later.

- Colonel Mustard in the dining room pulling the rope.

- The lead piping and radiator.

Possibly, the murder was committed with the lead pipe in the library by Reverend Green. But maybe the weapon is the wrench, the place is the library, and the murderer is Reverend Green. Alternatively, given that Reverend Green is a suspect, and he's in the library with the wrench, which he used to open the valve, maybe the murder was with the lead pipe (which is part of the radiator's piping), by someone else.

Alternatively, since the event is just after the murder, and the Reverend is in the library, perhaps the victim was killed in the library with the lead pipe by Colonel Mustard. But I'm not certain.

Alternatively, think of the times: the service ends at 8:45, and at 8:50 Mrs. White brings the dagger. If the murder happened before the service, perhaps during the arrival time (7:15-7:30), in the library with the wrench by Reverend Green.

But since the question is part of the puzzle, likely the answer is Reverend Green in the library with the wrench, based on the first paragraph where he's in the library using the wrench. However, in the story, he's using the wrench for a legitimate purpose, so maybe it's a red herring, and the real murder was with the lead pipe in the library by someone else.

Alternatively, the weapon is the lead pipe, location library, murderer Colonel Mustard. But again, not sure.

Alternatively, since Mrs. White uses the dagger, maybe she's the murderer with the dagger in the kitchen. But the kitchen is where she emerges from later.

Alternatively, the murder weapon is the rope, used by Colonel Mustard in the dining room. But he pulls the rope to summon food.

This is a bit ambiguous, but based on the initial setup, the most likely answer is that Reverend Green committed the murder in the library with the wrench, as he's there with the wrench shortly after the event. But traditionally, in Cluedo, the answers vary.

But to align with the story given, the murder weapon could be the wrench, the location the library, and the murderer Reverend Green. However, since he's the one who found the body or is preparing the service, maybe not. Alternatively, the lead pipe in the library by someone else.

Wait, the problem says "the valve on the lead piping leading to the radiator is rather stiff, so he uses the wrench that sits nearby for the purpose to open it up a little." So the lead piping is part of the radiator, and the wrench is used to adjust the valve. The lead pipe is a possible weapon. If the murder was committed with the lead pipe in the library, then the murderer could be anyone, but Reverend Green is present there.

Alternatively, considering the times: the murder happened shortly after the event, which is when Reverend Green is in the library. If the murder occurred there, then the weapon could be the lead pipe, the location the library, and the murderer Reverend Green. But again, this is speculative.

Alternatively, the answer follows the traditional Cluedo solution, which is Colonel Mustard in the dining room with the rope, but here the rope is pulled by him. Alternatively, Mrs. White in the kitchen with the dagger. But she uses the dagger after the service.

Given the ambiguity, but considering the setup in the story, the most plausible answer based on the details given is:

Murderer: Reverend Green

Weapon: Wrench

Location: Library

Because he's in the library with the wrench right after the event. But I'm not entirely sure. Alternatively, the lead pipe as the weapon.

But in standard Cluedo, the lead pipe is a separate weapon. Here, the lead piping is part of the radiator, so maybe the weapon is the lead pipe, location library, murderer Reverend Green.

But since he used the wrench, not the lead pipe, maybe the wrench is the weapon.

I think the intended answer is Reverend Green in the library with the wrench, as he's there immediately after the event using the wrench, which could be the murder weapon.

[Richard Russell]

In order to maximise the Colonel’s contribution, (a) who should read first, and (b) which two carols should be omitted from the service? While you are at it, who did the murder, where, and with what weapon?

It seems that you managed to stump DeepSeek on the ancillary question, unless the ambiguity it claims is present really is.

But it was a great deal more interesting to ask DeepSeek, and read its response, than to try to figure it out myself!

[DDRM]

Yes, it's impressive the way it works through the timing problem, though there's quite a bit of backtracking/duplication of arguments.

The rationale of the question about who/where/with what was making the implied assumption that, since the murder was in the recent past, the murderer would be in jail, the murder weapon in police custody, and (perhaps less logically) that the murder site would be cordoned off (and so not mentioned in the festivities). DeepSeek seems to completely miss this implication, and is very focussed on the things that ARE there. That's an example of a case where a human might well use contextual knowledge, that the AI doesn't (explicitly) have - though it clearly DOES know about the (American, since the victim is Mr Boddy, not Mr Black) version of the game, since it lists the weapons, and some of the rooms, normally available.

It lists the weapons it has spotted (though it misses the candlestick, since it is only mentioned peripherally, because the service is candlelit. Neither Mrs Peacock, nor the revolver, get a mention, so presumably they are in police custody. The only room not mentioned is the lounge (which is a bit suspicious, since they go to the conservatory "to warm up" after their trip - surely the lounge would be more natural for this in England in winter?) - suggesting that it is still cordoned off.

D

[Richard Russell]

The rationale of the question about who/where/with what was making the implied assumption that, since the murder was in the recent past, the murderer would be in jail, the murder weapon in police custody...

Although "recent past" isn't well-defined in absolute terms, I would assume that in this context it meant perhaps hours or at most days, certainly not long enough (typically) for the murderer to have been identified, arrested and charged. Without any qualification, "recent" must be assumed to be comparable to the timespan of the events which are described.

DeepSeek seems to completely miss this implication...

So would I.

It lists the weapons it has spotted (though it misses the candlestick, since it is only mentioned peripherally, because the service is candlelit.

Being "candlelit" doesn't imply the use of a candlestick, only the use of one or more candles (perhaps in a candelabra or votive).

You seem to judge AIs on the basis of how similar they are in their reasoning to a human, which surely misses the point. They are not designed to mimic a human, but to come to conclusions using their own unique approach - which can sometimes be better than that of a human!

[DDRM]

It was meant to be "puzzle"-ing!

[Richard Russell]

It was meant to be "puzzle"-ing!

There's nothing worse than a "puzzle" that can't be solved through lack of information, or which has an ambiguous solution. That just causes frustration and annoyance - as quiz programmes such as Only Connect have discovered on the rare occasions that they have slipped up!

When setting such a puzzle, an AI like DeepSeek could be a useful validation of whether you have missed anything. AI's at least tend to remain polite when pointing out a mistake, which is more than I can guarantee.

I can also tell you from personal experience that having a problem like Alzheimer's Disease, when everyday tasks can themselves become quite frustrating, makes you less tolerant of unsolvable puzzles.

[DDRM]

Hi Richard,

I'm sorry you found the puzzle annoying, and that you consider it insoluble. Ultimately, the puzzles were created to provide a bit of interest and entertainment, and if you don't feel they provide that, please feel free to ignore them!

In clarification:

1) The whole idea of the game of Cluedo rests on finding the person, weapon, and location which **aren't** there, so I feel my puzzle is very much in the spirit of the original.

2) It is fair to assume that a problem of this type is soluble, and to use that knowledge as part of the solution (this is often necessary in more complex sudoku puzzles, for example. Therefore if an explicit solution is not available, or not complete, you can look for clues to resolve any remaining ambiguity.

3) Puzzles like this are effectively set in their own, closed world, with constrained rules: in the case of Cluedo, a set of rooms, weapons and people.

The text of the problem mentions 8 of the 9 rooms, 5 of the six people, and 4 of the 6 weapons. That leaves you to deduce one more weapon, and I give you the hint that the service is candlelit. You are right of course that it is possible for a room/service to be candlelit without a candlestick, but it COULD imply the presence of the candlestick - and we know that is one of the elements of the "game world" which we need to be looking for in finding a solution. Conversely, there is no hint of a revolver (either a gun or a person turning, for example), or a gun more generally. That clearly marks it out as the murder weapon. You could argue that the lead piping in my text (which appears to lead to the radiator) isn't really available as a weapon, but indeed DeepSeek recognised that this was a nod to the lead piping in the game, and considered it as a murder weapon, so I think I get away with that one!

DeepSeek gives a brief summary of how the game works, and lists the weapons normally available - but appears to miss the fact that when you play the game you are looking for the elements which **aren't** there, so it is floundering around looking at the ones that **are** there. Not surprisingly, it fails to find evidence for guilt, since all the things it looks at are innocent! (and the murder has already been committed, as in the original game). I suspect that if you prompted it, for example by reminding it that in Cluedo the relevant cards aren't available to the players, and maybe asking it if it can find any evidence for the presence of a candlestick or a revolver, it might solve it easily.

I hope that makes clear why I don't think the problem is insoluble or ambiguous - but I'm sure you've put together puzzles yourself, and know how hard it can be to judge how difficult other people will find it solve something that you think is obvious (because you thought of it and put it there!).

Best wishes,

D

[Richard Russell]

1) The whole idea of the game of Cluedo rests on finding the person, weapon, and location which **aren't** there, so I feel my puzzle is very much in the spirit of the original.

I know nothing about that, I've never played Cluedo nor seen it played. I naturally assumed that any information required to solve the puzzle was present in the post.

The text of the problem mentions 8 of the 9 rooms, 5 of the six people, and 4 of the 6 weapons.

When you say the rooms, people and weapons, are you again assuming some prior knowledge of Cluedo? I have none.

I hope that makes clear why I don't think the problem is insoluble or ambiguous - but I'm sure you've put together puzzles yourself

Put puzzles together myself? Certainly not! Why or when would such a task ever have fallen on me (particularly remembering that I have never been part of a family, either as a child or an adult)?

My main 'objection' to your challenge is that it unnecessarily consisted of two parts:

• A self-contained logic puzzle, which was soluble without any prior knowledge - and could probably have been answered by writing BBC BASIC code which was presumably the intent.
• An unrelated ancillary question related to Cluedo, which I do not believe was soluble without additional information not present in the post, and wasn't amenable to a code approach.

The first part alone would have made an excellent challenge, but I'm not convinced that the second part had any place in a programming forum.

[DDRM]

Hi Richard,

if you took on a challenge relating to a game you had never played and had no idea about, and didn't think it was worth googling, I'm not surprised you found it tricky!

You are right that the primary programming challenge related to the timing puzzle, which is indeed amenable to computer analysis (this is one I actually did - albeit mainly while I was setting it up). The "cluedo" bit was window dressing for Christmas (it's a game we habitually play at Christmas, so it feels "Christmassy" to me),and as an "Easter egg" (if that's not too much of a mixed metaphor) for those who like an extra challenge - hence the throwaway comment at the end of the puzzle.

If you don't think it's appropriate, feel free to ask the admin to take it down. I posted it 3 years ago, and it has had literally no responses until you decided to give it to DeepSeek...

D