Split #1 — the solution

The three rounds from September 30, 2026: twelve numbers each, split into four groups of three that add to the target — the one way each round allows, with its decoys and where the reasoning starts.

Round 1 — target 30

The numbers: 6, 11, 2, 3, 19, 14, 9, 1, 4, 18, 20, 13. 3 decoys.

The groups: 6 + 4 + 20, 11 + 1 + 18, 2 + 19 + 9, 3 + 14 + 13.

The decoys — triples that add to 30 but are not in the answer: 6 + 11 + 13; 3 + 9 + 18; 9 + 1 + 20.

Where to start: 2, 19, 14 and 4 sit in only one on-target triple, so their groups are certain — start there.

Round 2 — target 31

The numbers: 5, 8, 11, 2, 20, 18, 1, 9, 15, 10, 13, 12. 5 decoys.

The groups: 5 + 11 + 15, 8 + 10 + 13, 2 + 20 + 9, 18 + 1 + 12.

The decoys — triples that add to 31 but are not in the answer: 5 + 8 + 18; 8 + 11 + 12; 11 + 2 + 18; 20 + 1 + 10; 9 + 10 + 12.

Where to start: 15 and 13 sit in only one on-target triple, so their groups are certain — start there.

Round 3 — target 32

The numbers: 11, 17, 5, 3, 18, 9, 10, 2, 12, 19, 7, 15. 6 decoys.

The groups: 11 + 2 + 19, 17 + 3 + 12, 5 + 18 + 9, 10 + 7 + 15.

The decoys — triples that add to 32 but are not in the answer: 11 + 3 + 18; 11 + 9 + 12; 17 + 5 + 10; 5 + 12 + 15; 3 + 10 + 19; 18 + 2 + 12.

Where to start: 7 sits in only one on-target triple, so its group is certain — start there.

About Split

Split is Noggin’s number puzzle, on the second shelf: twelve numbers into four groups of three, three rounds a day, outside the daily line-up. How to play Split, or play today’s.