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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Alex Bellos

Can you solve it? The art of the deal

Man plays cards. Still from Casino Royale.
Man plays cards. Still from Casino Royale. Photograph: RONALD GRANT/EON PRODUCTIONS

Hello guzzlers,

Today’s three problems require you to spot three different patterns in a set of playing cards.

1) Which of the face up cards in the bottom row should replace the face down card in the top row to complete the pattern?

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2) Which is the only card in the deck that can replace the face down card to complete the set?

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3) What number should replace the question mark to complete the pattern?

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The questions were created by this column’s favourite cardsharp, Adam Rubin, who is Director of Puzzles and Games for Art of Play, an online boutique of beautiful packs of cards, as well as curious amusements.

The puzzles rely on a flash of insight. If you look at the cards long enough, think about all the information that they communicate, then the answers will hopefully come to you.

The third one is the most difficult. But have a spin anyway!

I’ll be back with the answers at 5pm British Summer Time.

UPDATE: To see the answers click here.

I set a puzzle here every two weeks on a Monday. I’m always on the look-out for great puzzles. If you would like to suggest one, email me.

I’m the author of several books of popular maths, including the puzzle books Can You Solve My Problems? and Puzzle Ninja.

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