Ponder This

Welcome to our monthly puzzles.
You are cordially invited to match wits with some of the best minds in IBM Research.

June 2025 - Solution

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June 2025 Challenge


June 2025 Solution:

Solutions, in string form:

Main challange:


CHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHBGDBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBEBDAFDGDGDGDGDGDGDGDGDG 
DGDGDGDGDGDGDGDFCHFAFAFAFAFAFAFAFAFAFAFAFAFAFHEBHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHBGDBEBEBEBEBEBEBEB
EBEBEBDAFDGDGDGDGDGDGDGDGDGDGDFCHFAFAFAFAFAFAFAFHEBHCHCHCHCHCHCHCHBGDBEBEBEBEBDAFDGDGDGDGDFCH
FAFGBGBGBGBG Bonus: ADADADADCHCHCHCAGAGFEHAFEHAFHGDGEDCFGDFCBDADCDCDBEFGHGEGHFGBGHC

The main challenge can be tricky to solve via search algorithms due to the sheer board size; however, if one tries to play the game manually, it is relatively easy to notice and exploit some simple patterns that can effectively handle any board. The 10x10 case is more tricky due to the starting point in the middle, but in this case the board size allows relatively easy computer search.


For those who wish to play the game themselves, an html implementation can be found [here]
The solutions, in image form: