You have a high IQ if you can spot number 869 in sea of 899s in 20 seconds

02 July 2023 , 06:00

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This illusion requires plenty of concentration

Sunday is arguably the perfect day to kick back with a good brainteaser, and a mind-boggling new optical illusion will help get your grey matter whirring away nicely before the working week begins all over again.

The clever illusion in question shows the solitary 869 hidden in plain sight amid a sea of 899s and is much, much trickier than you might initially presume.

Puzzle lovers have been challenged the spot the lone number is 20 seconds or less, but only the most lynx-eyed of players will be able to manage it.

Ready to give it a go for yourself? Set your timer and cast your eyes over the following image:

One number is different from the rest

Did you manage to spot it? Don't get too frustrated with yourself if not, this is a particularly tough optical illusion that requires plenty of concentration, patience, and the ability to focus.

Mind-bending optical illusion makes your brain 'adjust' after 10 seconds

Try dividing the image into sections, scouring each part in turn for the anomaly, and not letting yourself get distracted by the dizzying sea of numbers.

Often your brain can play tricks on you, filling in gaps when something is a little bit off or different. Once you're aware of this, it's easier to fight against it, zoning in on what you actually want to see.

When you're ready, check out the same image again, this time with the hidden 869 circled:

It feels so obvious once you spot it

This illusion, which was previously shared by Freshers Live, is a particularly interesting one as the number isn't actually concealed by anything. The fact that it looks so similar to the others however can have a somewhat confusing effect.

If you fancy trying another observation-based puzzle, then check out this brainteaser which challenges people to find the living man hidden among statues in three seconds or less.

Much like the numbers puzzle, once you spit the man, it feels so very obvious, but that doesn't mean that it's an easy one by any means.

Do you have a puzzle to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com

Julia Banim