The thirteen balls scattered around
the star make two words, HAPPY and HOLIDAYS, and two
balls are with asterisks. The challenge is to place all
these balls on the nodes of the star so that they form
the very same words separated by asterisks, something
like this: *HAPPY*HOLIDAYS. Each word can be read in any
directions, clockwise or counterclockwise, and can start
at any node of the star. Sounds easy? Well, there is one
rule to be observed while you put balls onto the star
nodes.
Each ball but the last is placed in two steps. First you
must put it on a vacant node of the star, and then move
it to another vacant node along a straight line segment
directly connecting them. To put a ball simply click it
first; then click a vacant node on the star. Then click
another vacant node which the ball should be finally
moved to along the connecting line segment. Use "Undo"
and "Redo" (or B and N keys, respectively) for the
respective backward and forward moves of balls on the
star in accordance with your solution. Once you solve
the puzzle, or have some particular sequence of moves,
you can use "Undo" and "Redo" to check all your moves.
Note that the last ball is placed directly on the last
vacant node. That's all! Once you form both words, and
they are properly separated by asterisks, you will see a
congratulation message.
Happy Puzzling!
*) This puzzle is based on old
challenges with placing seven chess knights on a 3 x 3
chessboard; or placing seven beads on an octagram.
Last
Updated: October 1, 2012
Posted: December 24, 2008
