A viral brainteaser claiming that "only geniuses" can solve it has sparked widespread disagreement over the correct answer. The puzzle, shared in a post on X, shows a diagram containing a number of circles and asks users how many they can see.
The image was posted with the message: "Only for geniuses. How many circles do you see?" Despite appearing straightforward at first glance, the comments section shows little consensus among those attempting it.
Mixed responses from puzzle solvers
Replies to the post included a range of guesses. One user answered: "17 I think," while another joked: "I wouldn't be surprised if the answer turns out to be 97." A third chimed in with: "I see some triangles." Others suggested 12, and one person claimed 18.
Brainteasers are noted for strengthening core cognitive functions, building creative problem-solving and supporting long-term mental well-being, though some puzzles are said to be solvable only by people with the highest IQ.
Explaining the possible answers
In response to the debate, someone shared three possible answers along with explanations. They claimed: "13 for a real answer. 14 including the O. 15 including the ? dot." Replies with diagrams showed how the total could fall between 13 and 15.
To reach the lower figure, the process involves counting all the clear circles first. This gives one large circle, followed by four medium circles and then the eight sitting inside those circles. Adding these together brings the number to 13.
For those thinking outside the box, including the 'o' and the 'dot' in the question would bring the total to 14 or 15 respectively. This explains why the three numbers have been the focus of the argument, with any answer below 12 or above 20 considered well off the mark.
