find the shortest answer to a puzzle

The most hilarious, insane, ridiculous puzzles a human can solve easily using a little creativity, but the best AI models can't cope with.

shortest answer wins

ErrorGolf gets its name from the sport - lowest score wins. But instead of counting strokes, you count characters in your answer. The challenge (hole) is solving a bizarre puzzle using the fewest possible characters, symbols, or words while coming up with the most effective answer.

When you force someone to find the shortest answer, they can't just copy-paste from Google or ChatGPT. They have to genuinely understand the problem, think creatively about approaches, and demonstrate real mastery of their chosen domain - whether that's programming, math, chemistry, biology, physics, or pure human experience.

abstract and lateral thinking

Anyone can write a long explanation that eventually makes sense. But elegance? That requires seeing patterns others miss, understanding systems at their core, and thinking several moves ahead. When someone solves a complex problem in three brilliant lines, you're witnessing genuine expertise.

  • Triarchic: componential, experiential, and practical intelligence
  • Fluid vs crystallized intelligence: raw CPU ability vs experience
  • Abstraction: underlying principles and patterns beyond surface complexity
  • Lateralism: Approaching from unexpected angles

pick your own poison

The same core challenge applies across every domain: compress your expertise into the shortest, most elegant answer. Whether you think in code, equations, molecules, or pure human logic, we're testing how deeply you understand your chosen field.

Human Logic

Office politics, psychological insights, real-world pragmatism distilled into sharp observations.

Programming

Code golf across 168 languages, from Python elegance to Brainf**k masochism.

Mathematics

Pure problem-solving through equations, finding the most elegant formula that cuts through complexity.

Physics

Natural laws and principles compressed into their essential mathematical relationships.

Chemistry

Molecular transformations and reactions distilled to their fundamental mechanisms.

Biology

Living systems and evolutionary principles reduced to their core adaptive strategies.

ready to get started?

Still confused? Perfect. That's exactly the mindset you need. Browse our vault of 100 bizarre challenges, laugh at the absurdity, pick 3 that match your particular brand of expertise, then dive in. You'll either discover you're a creative genius or question every life choice that led you here.