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release_the_Q_ball


Hit the "I" ball at such an angle that it creates a chain reaction which ultimately dislodges the "Q" ball.

Whenever the ball in motion hits a stationary ball, the ball in motion replaces the stationary ball in the word, thus forming a new word. The stationary ball is then set in motion at an angle of your choosing.

The balls always move in straight lines, never curves or arcs.

You may use the bumpers to deflect the trajectory of the ball in motion. But don't worry too much about the physics of it.

Words should be common and well-known, not obscure.


For a more difficult version of this puzzle, see here.


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    $\begingroup$ @ParclyTaxel — The bumpers (also called the bumper rails) are the dark green frame which surrounds the light green play area. In other words, every side of the play area is a bumper rail. $\endgroup$
    – SlowMagic
    Commented Oct 18, 2022 at 0:49
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    $\begingroup$ Almost feel like this should've been done in reverse, such that you're hitting the Q ball, which is how billiards usually works... $\endgroup$
    – Darrel Hoffman
    Commented Oct 18, 2022 at 17:10
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    $\begingroup$ @DarrelHoffman I think you mean cue ball, unless I'm missing a joke. $\endgroup$
    – Brandon_J
    Commented Oct 18, 2022 at 17:20
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    $\begingroup$ @Brandon_J No, that was it. I know it's spelled "cue", but in this case, it's an actual letter Q, which is pronounced the same way, so it's a nice visual pun. $\endgroup$
    – Darrel Hoffman
    Commented Oct 18, 2022 at 17:25
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    $\begingroup$ "bumpers" == "cushions", at least in my part of the world. $\endgroup$
    – Toby Speight
    Commented Oct 19, 2022 at 14:47

1 Answer 1

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Here is one possible solution to this puzzle

The I replaces the E in SET to form SIT. Then the E replaces the A in QUOTA to form QUOTE. Then the A replaces the I in SIT to form SAT. Then the I replaces the O in QUITE to form QUITE. Then the O replaces the S in SAT to form OAT. Finally, the S replaces the Q in QUITE to form SUITE.

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    $\begingroup$ Despite this being a very easy puzzle, this is an awesome answer. Well done. $\endgroup$
    – TTT
    Commented Oct 18, 2022 at 2:40
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    $\begingroup$ OK, that's a fantastic puzzle (not just basic geometry/physics but word-letter replacement) and a beautiful answer (love me an animated puzzle solution). Upvotes all round. $\endgroup$
    – Rand al'Thor
    Commented Oct 19, 2022 at 5:04
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    $\begingroup$ @Randal'Thor — Thank you! I was in the process of creating a complex Rube Goldberg arrangement with lots of balls, when this simple setup popped up, so I went with that. Cap's animation really made it beautiful and fun. $\endgroup$
    – SlowMagic
    Commented Oct 19, 2022 at 13:59
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    $\begingroup$ Could I propose a gif that's a little easier to follow? i.sstatic.net/TQctm.gif $\endgroup$
    – Engineer Toast
    Commented Oct 19, 2022 at 16:27
  • $\begingroup$ @EngineerToast thanks, I'll edit it in. $\endgroup$
    – caPNCApn
    Commented Oct 19, 2022 at 18:24

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