Imagine the scene: the faucet opens, the flow goes down and splits into two main directions, left and right.
Left: The path to containers 7, 6, 5, and 4 is longer and more winding, with more curves and branches.
Right: The flow is much more direct, leading to containers 3, 2 and 1 via shorter pipes.
In the right branch, the pipe then divides into three vertical tubes. The one closest to the branch is the one leading to container 3: it is lower, shorter, and free of obstructions. The pipes leading to 2 and 1 branch off further down or follow a longer path, which delays their filling.
Verdendo: Container 3 fills first.
Why this result seems “magical” (even though it makes sense)
Our brain loves to extrapolate “by eye”: imagine that water is distributed everywhere at the same time. In reality, it favors the path of least resistance. Container 3 has several advantages: direct access, no obstructions, a low entry height, and a short walking distance. As long as 3 isn’t saturated at the exit (if it is), it captures most of the initial flow.
Let’s train the eye: a little checklist to apply to all versions.
Let’s look for barriers: a small line can mean “blocked.”
Notice the levels: a branch rising above the liquid interrupts the flow. Count the bends: the more there are, the greater the pressure drop.
Measure the proximity of the first vertical pipe after the main branch.
Be patient: the puzzle rewards attention to detail, not haste.
A little fun extra: Want to make the game more challenging with family or friends? Hide certain sections (print, fold, hide) and ask others to reconstruct the likely path before revealing the full diagram. Guaranteed laughter… and flashes of genius!
Moral: In these puzzles, as in life, the shortest and clearest path often wins, provided you keep an eye on the details. To proceed quickly, keep the obstacles in mind before drawing conclusions.
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