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Puzzles

One activity that many of our members enjoy is puzzling! You can test yourself for fun with our brainteasers. Our quizzes and conundrums are updated regularly, so do check back on the page for the latest content, and if you get really good at them, why not find out what your IQ is by booking a Mensa Supervised IQ Test?

23/3/25 – Cup Draw

In the last THIRTY-TWO of the FA Cup Draw, teams are given a number according to a certain rule. If the following numbers are assigned as below, how can we be sure that Manchester United are not part of the draw.

4) IPSWICH TOWN

5) TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

8) BOLTON WANDERERS

9) CAMBRIDGE UNITED

10) ASTON VILLA

17) MANCHESTER CITY

18) LEICESTER CITY

26) DERBY COUNTY

27) FULHAM

28) EVERTON

29) CHARLTON ATHLETIC

32) ARSENAL

Puzzle courtesy of Mensa member Peter Hooton

  • Show Answer

The rule that determines each team’s allocated number is the sum of the alphabetical position of the initial letters subtracted from 33 (e.g. Arsenal = 33 – 1, Ipswich Town = 33 – (9 + 20) = 4
The sum of M + U = 34 (13 + 21) so they cannot be given an entry number (33 – 34 = -1)

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