Split #2 — the solution

The three rounds from October 1, 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 32

The numbers: 3, 12, 5, 17, 2, 8, 20, 9, 4, 16, 14, 18. 3 decoys.

The groups: 3 + 12 + 17, 5 + 9 + 18, 2 + 16 + 14, 8 + 20 + 4.

The decoys — triples that add to 32 but are not in the answer: 3 + 20 + 9; 12 + 2 + 18; 12 + 4 + 16.

Where to start: 5, 17, 8 and 14 sit in only one on-target triple, so their groups are certain — start there.

Round 2 — target 31

The numbers: 3, 10, 6, 19, 11, 8, 2, 13, 20, 12, 4, 16. 5 decoys.

The groups: 3 + 8 + 20, 10 + 19 + 2, 6 + 13 + 12, 11 + 4 + 16.

The decoys — triples that add to 31 but are not in the answer: 3 + 12 + 16; 10 + 8 + 13; 19 + 8 + 4; 11 + 8 + 12; 2 + 13 + 16.

Where to start: 6 and 20 sit in only one on-target triple, so their groups are certain — start there.

Round 3 — target 30

The numbers: 16, 9, 3, 12, 7, 8, 1, 13, 19, 6, 11, 15. 6 decoys.

The groups: 16 + 1 + 13, 9 + 6 + 15, 3 + 8 + 19, 12 + 7 + 11.

The decoys — triples that add to 30 but are not in the answer: 16 + 3 + 11; 16 + 8 + 6; 9 + 8 + 13; 3 + 12 + 15; 7 + 8 + 15; 13 + 6 + 11.

Where to start: 1 and 19 sit in only one on-target triple, so their groups are certain — start there.

Previous: Split #1 (Wed, Sep 30)

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.