The Grey Labyrinth is a collection of puzzles, riddles, mind games, paradoxes and other intellectually challenging diversions. Related topics: puzzle games, logic puzzles, lateral thinking puzzles, philosophy, mind benders, brain teasers, word problems, conundrums, 3d puzzles, spatial reasoning, intelligence tests, mathematical diversions, paradoxes, physics problems, reasoning, math, science.

Gifthorse · Daedalian Member

If the prof gets nine different responses, he must have asked his wife how many she shook also. Why? Because his wife plus the others equals exactly nine people. Her answer would be 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,or 8.

OK, the answer is hard to come to but I think a clue is knowing that when you shake hands with someone, that counts as a handshake on there end also.

Don't forget about the professor. I have a feeling this one titled the way it is for a reason. I just can't figured it out yet.

I can't help but think that there is some orderly process of elimination involved.

Werebear · Daedalian Member

WOW!! ANOTHER THREAD!!! I'm glad, the other four weren't enough for this puzzle.

I hate to be the one to point this out, but if he asked the wife, then why would we have to figure out how many hands she shook? Couldn't we just ask him? Maybe he doesn't know how many HE shook. In that case... hey, wow, the answer is still four. for both. Amazing. At least, next time you want to complicate things, could you post this on the main thread, instead of posting on the main thread that you're starting your own thread?

Werebear

MacadamiamaN · Intentionally left blank

YOU GUYS! How could you not know the answer! it's so obvious!!!
Here it is:

How many handshakes did the professor's wife receive?
NONE!
As only guests and hosts shook hands, the professor's wife was the HOSTESS.

Dragon Phoenix · Judge Doom

Welcome, but please do not start multiple threads for one puzzle. Thank you. Lockdown.

The main thread is here.

[This message has been edited by Sofis (edited 05-28-2002 10:51 AM).]