The trap hidden in words
Many people automatically imagine that broken, fried, and eaten eggs are all different. Following this reasoning, we would have broken two eggs, then fried two more, then eaten two more… which gives the impression that there is almost nothing left.
But the riddle never specifies that they are different eggs. And that’s when everything changes.
So, what is the right answer?
If we take the time to reason calmly, the most logical answer is 4 eggs.
Why? Because the two broken eggs are the same ones that were fried and then eaten. In other words, only one pair of eggs underwent these three successive actions. So we start with six eggs, we use two… and there are four left.
A simple solution, but one that requires going beyond the first reflex.
Why some people still answer “6”
On social networks, another answer comes up regularly: 6 eggs. This interpretation is based on a more linguistic reading of the sentence. Some consider that “I have six eggs” describes the final situation, and that the actions mentioned explain what happened before.
This is more of a subtle reading than a logical one, but it shows how a short sentence can be understood differently depending on one’s sensitivity and attention.
What this riddle reveals about the way we think
Beyond the game, this puzzle is a great example of how our brains process information. Under mild pressure — even playful — we tend to fill in the gaps, make assumptions, and go too fast. As a result, we sometimes miss the most obvious solution.
This is also why these challenges are going viral. They create discussion, contradiction and above all this little moment of doubt that pushes us to comment: “Wait…” I think I was wrong. A perfect example of a logical trap.
And you, did you find the right answer?
Whether you answered 4, 6, or something else, the important thing is the reasoning behind your choice. These puzzles are not there to trap, but to remind us that one detail can change everything.
The next time you come across a “too simple to be true” challenge, take a second more… because that’s often where the key lies.
