Teaching article
A treasure clue should work for someone who did not write it
Give enough information for the intended location without unsafe searching.
The author knows the intended location, but a new solver only has the words or pictures supplied. Test a clue on a bounded fictional map and revise anything that permits several unintended destinations.
'The square beside the drawn fountain' is testable within the map.
Remove the author's hidden knowledge
Test the clue with someone who did not write it. The author may rely on information that is not actually included.
Identify the target. Write a bounded clue. Test with a partner.
Keep real locations within agreed supervision arrangements.
Is there only one matching place? Use picture clues.
Resources
- Puzzle Day Maze — Offer the maze for route planning and optional strategy discussion.
Further reading
Read next
- Left of the tower needs an agreed map viewpoint
- A puzzle reflection should name the move that helped
- A fair riddle survives reasonable alternative answers
Explore Logic puzzles and game design. Browse all teaching articles.