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.

Titan · Icarian Member

I have just noticed all the other answers provided in the forum, I am new to this site and posted my solution below before realising that others had got there first. But having read a few of your notes I see not everyone thinks it is this simple,but me well ...why make things complicated!

With the title so closely related to Harry Potter , I just had to write in.

Basically , I believe you can take the guesswork out of this little puzzle. You do this by using the inscriptions as your map, by remembering the markings both above and below each hole you can avoid entering any hole twice.
Therefore, you would place your hands in the first 2 holes of your choice, at this time all you know is that the switches are NOT in the same direction, you proceed to change the 2 switches both up or both down, if you are lucky, then the chamber will open before your eyes.
However, things are never that easy so if the chamber does not open, make sure you leave the switches either both up or down,now you can remove your hands.
You will now see the column spin round, but when it stops, you can decipher which are the 2 holes you have not been in, using the inscriptions as your guiding light. You then proceed to switch the 2 switches to the direction you left the previous 2 and the Secret Chamber will no longer be a secret.

This has then taken a maximum of 2 goes and 1 if you are lucky.

Your comments and thoughts are welcome.

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[This message has been edited by TITAN (edited 02-16-2001).]

Quailman · His Postmajesty

Since you bring up Harry Potter, you could just wave your wizard's wand and say:

Don't make me send my hands a-gropin'
Make this stupid chamber open!

Peter O · Guest

I believe the puzzle isn't worded precisely. The intent of the puzzle is that one cannot differentiate between holes. Otherwise one need only mark 2 holes , put the switches up or down and on next turn do the same for the other two. Hardly a puzzle! Given that one cannot distinquish between holes and there is a prohibition on marking or defacing the column, one could ensure opening the door in 3 turns. I won't give the answer, cause that would spoil the fun. Here is a hint, below:

After two turns the switches should be alternating, up, down, up, down.

Ghost Post · Icarian Member

TITAN,
How would you know that the inscriptions above each opening are different?
kate the Gr8