Smith-Jones-Robinson Classic
The following puzzle, known as the Smith-Jones-Robinson classic, is a masterpiece of it's kind. It's an absorbing mental challenge presented in concise and entertaining terms. In one group of 240 people trying it, only 6 came up with the solution. But there is no "catch" in it, and the answer was worked out by some in 5-10 minutes. Every fact is important, and must be considered. Here we go.
On a train, Smith, Robinson, and Jones are the fireman, brakeman, and the engineer, but NOT respectively. Also aboard are 3 business men who have the same names: a Mr. Smith, a Mr. Robinson, and a Mr. Jones.
- Mr. Robinson lives in Detroit.
- The brakeman lives exactly halfway between Chicago and Detroit.
- Mr. Jones earns exactly $20,000 per year.
- The brakeman's nearest neighbor, one of the passengers, earns exactly three times as much as as the brakeman.
- Smith beats the fireman at billiards.
- The passenger with the same name as the brakeman lives in Chicago.