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From: hcp@met.ed.ac.uk (H C Pumphrey)
Subject: Magic Toyshop (cat&mouse, dodgems)
Date: 06 Mar 1996 13:11:51 +0000
Sender: hcp@met.uucp (H C Pumphrey)
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Magic toyshop seemed to divide opinions somewhat; I fall into the category
who rather like it. However, I am rather stuck.  In the absence of a cheat
sheet at ftp.gmd.de, has anyone sorted out the following puzzles?



First, that maze with the cat and mouse.
[Spoiler insulation]























I have read the hints and I understand that with the cat and mouse starting
at opposite corners of the grid, the cat will always get the mouse. The mouse
could win if it started on a different square or, equivalently, took no turns
or two turns at the start of the game. It seems to me that it is necessary to
cheat somehow with this game, as it has been with some (but not all) of the
earlier ones. However, I can't work out how to cheat. Presumably I have to
persuade the mouse to move silently or trick the cat into thinking that the
mouse has moved. How? 

Second, those dodgems.





























I am infuriated with myself that I can't beat Catharine at this, especially
when she lets me go first. Is it possible that this is a rare example of a
game where it is an advantage to go second? Or am I just dense? Strategy
hints, anyone?


Thirdly, the egg.



































It is raw, all right. Shake to find this out. Presumably it needs cooking.
Maybe Catherine will produce a camping stove when I solve one of the other
puzzles........ 

-- 

==========================================================================
Hugh C. Pumphrey              |  Telephone 0131-650-6026
Department of Meteorology     |  FAX       0131-662-4269
The University of Edinburgh   |  Replace 0131 with +44-131 if outside U.K.
EDINBURGH EH9 3JZ, Scotland   |  Email     hcp@met.ed.ac.uk
OBDisclaimer: The views expressed herein are mine, not those of UofE.
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