THIS intriguing puzzle was devised around 100 years ago by the French mathematician Lucas. Originally it was played on a white board divided up into nine squares. The first four squares contain blue counters, the last four red ones. The centre square is left empty. The aim is to swap the colours so that the blue counters end up on the right, and the red ones on the left. You are only allowed to move one counter at a time, and it must be into the empty space. There are
only three rules to remember: - Blue counters can only move right, while the red ones move left.
- If the square to the right of a blue counter, or left of a red counter is empty it can slide across.
- A counter can jump over one other counter, providing it's in the right direction.
To move a counter just press the number corresponding to its square. Should you get into a situation where progress is impossible, or you just wish to start again, press the 0 key. CWTA
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