How do you play Number Baseball?
You find a secret number of 3 (or 4) different digits using only strike and ball clues, in as few guesses as you can. It is the same game as Bulls and Cows, known in Korea as number baseball.
Every guess goes on the scoreboard with its clue. Rule out the numbers that do not fit the clues and the answer narrows down fast. Zero is allowed, even as the first digit.
How are strikes and balls counted?
| Clue | Meaning | Example (answer 427) |
|---|---|---|
| Strike (S) | Right digit, right spot | 481 → 1S (4) |
| Ball (B) | Right digit, wrong spot | 752 → 2B (7, 2) |
| Out | None of your digits are in the answer | 689 → Out |
| Hit | Every spot is a strike | 427 → 3S |
- No repeats: the answer and every guess use different digits. There are 720 possible answers with 3 digits and 5,040 with 4.
- Score: in Solo your score is how many guesses it took, with a best record for each length.
How does Vs computer work?
You and the computer each pick a secret number and take turns guessing the other one. Whoever needs fewer guesses wins. You bat first, the computer always gets its matching turn, and if both crack it on the same turn it is a draw.
- Easy: remembers only the last two clues and sometimes makes a wild guess.
- Normal: keeps only the numbers that fit every clue so far and picks one of them.
- Hard: picks the guess that splits the remaining numbers most evenly. It averages just over 5 guesses on 3 digits.
The Daily number gives everyone the same 3 digit secret each day and changes at midnight Korea time.
Tips for solving faster
- Open with guesses that share no digits. Trying 123, 456 and 789 quickly shows which group holds the answer.
- An Out is great news. Cross off all of its digits in your notes.
- Only guess numbers that fit every clue. Anything else wastes a turn.
- Move a ball to a new spot. Shifting a digit tells you where it belongs.
With perfect play the 4 digit game takes a little over 5 guesses on average, and any secret can always be found within 7. Your best records and match results are saved in this browser.