Some puzzles are easy. Others make you question your own eyes. The “Which cup gets the coffee first?” challenge falls squarely in the second category. It’s a straightforward setup—coffee flows into pipes leading to four cups—but the answer is anything but obvious.
Most people zoom in on Cup 4, assuming proximity means priority. But hidden blockages in the pipes change everything. Cups 4, 5, and 7 are all cut off, leaving Cup 9 as the sole recipient. The puzzle’s genius lies in its simplicity: it doesn’t hide the obstacles, but it doesn’t highlight them either. You have to look closely to spot them.
It’s a great reminder that first impressions can be deceiving. Whether you’re solving a brain teaser or making a big decision, slowing down to examine the details can save you from a wrong turn.
