Although difficult puzzles can leave you scratching your head at best and on the verge of despair at worst, there are plenty of strategies and resources to try before admitting defeat.
1. Look for common mechanics
Puzzle designers often repeat techniques, whether from their own puzzles or in general. One common mechanism is indexing, where when given a word and number, you take the nth letter of that word. You can also look for diagonalization, where you jot down the first letter of the first word, the second letter of the second word, the third letter of the third word, and so on.
2. Break it down
If the puzzle seems challenging and you have no clue where to start, break the puzzle down into smaller, manageable pieces. By isolating each individual piece, you can come across common patterns or details that you previously did not notice. Then, eliminate answers that may appear to be unlikely and consolidate puzzle pieces with similar elements.
3. Pay attention to wording
Many puzzles employ weird wording or phrasing to nudge solvers in a certain direction. If a clue seems oddly written or specific, it’s likely intentional. Don’t be afraid to go with your gut and explore a variety of options. Trust your instincts and investigate with your team!
4. Talk about it
New perspectives can lead to an unexpected breakthrough, something that’s hard to achieve when solving solo. It’s also easy to get stuck in your own head and teammates can help stop you from overthinking. The next time you’re stuck, consider talking to others or working with a team.
5. Use the internet
While it may feel like cheating, using the internet is actually encouraged in most puzzle hunts, including RM’s Pi Day and Mole Day Hunts. Common uses include looking up unfamiliar references or words, as well as reverse-image-searching photos or diagrams. Other websites like word unscramblers can save quite a bit of time, so don’t hesitate to use the tools at your disposal.
Happy solving!
