How to play Numblr
Numblr is a number guessing game, a close cousin of the classic code-breaking games. The game hides a number and you find it by guessing and reading the clues.
The rules
- The hidden number has 3 (easy), 4 (medium) or 5 (hard) digits.
- All digits are different and the first digit is never 0.
- Your guesses follow the same rules.
- After each guess the game shows marks, never which digit is which.
- + a right digit in the right place
- − a right digit in the wrong place
- 0 none of your digits are in the number
Reading the marks
If the hidden number is 123:
- 312−3
- 132+1 −2
- 4560
- 123+3
Strategy: find it in fewer guesses
- Start with different digits. A first guess such as 123 or 1234 tells you the most.
- Add the marks up. The count of + and − together is how many of your digits are in the number. +1 −2 means three of your digits are right.
- Use a 0. A 0 removes every digit of that guess at once. Cross them off and never type them again.
- Test positions one by one. When you know the right digits, move them around to turn − into +.
- Think in possibilities. Every clue removes many numbers, so make each guess one that could still be the answer.
How many numbers are possible?
| Round | Digits | Possible numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | 3 | 648 |
| Medium | 4 | 4,536 |
| Hard | 5 | 27,216 |
A sample game
The hidden number is 957.
- 1230
- 456+1
- 789−2
- 957+3
The first guess rules out 1, 2 and 3. The second shows that one of 4, 5 and 6 is in the number in that exact place. The third shows that two of 7, 8 and 9 are in the number but must move. That is enough to rebuild the whole number.
Ready to try? Numblr is coming soon. Questions: support.