I agree with you that the problem as stated is perfectly clear. I thought the statement lacked a little clarity about how distinguishable the boxes were for the prisoners that haven't seen them before, but on second reading I think that's clear too.
I also heard about it a few years ago, and discovering the solution was mind-blowing! It's stunning that it's possible.
If you're a fan of these types of puzzles please check out my contribution to the field:
I also heard about it a few years ago, and discovering the solution was mind-blowing! It's stunning that it's possible.
If you're a fan of these types of puzzles please check out my contribution to the field:
http://www.srcf.ucam.org/~te233/maths/puzzles/evenharder.htm...