List of Impossible Puzzles

This is a list of puzzles which have been proven impossible. An impossible puzzle is a puzzle that cannot be solved by following the directions or criteria for that puzzle.

  • Mutilated chessboard problem
  • Some variations of Fifteen puzzle
  • Three-colouring the edges of the Petersen graph
  • Seven Bridges of Königsberg
  • Water, gas, and electricity
  • Three cups problem

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    “Feminism is an entire world view or gestalt, not just a laundry list of women’s issues.”
    —Charlotte Bunch (b. 1944)

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    —Daniel J. Boorstin (b. 1914)

    ““One can’t believe impossible things.”
    “I daresay you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.””
    —Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson] (1832–1898)

    “Woman and fool are two hard things to hit,
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    —Alexander Pope (1688–1744)