I love a good challenge. Whether it’s number patterns, logic tests, or strategic thinking, I enjoy games that push my brain in different ways. Among my go-to apps are Math Puzzle, Peak, Brain It On, Lichess, and even Clash Royale—each testing different aspects of problem-solving, from pure logic to strategic planning.
And to keep things interesting, sometimes I challenge others as much as I like to challenge myself. Let’s call it pushing things to a limit and seeing what happens.
When I was on my crusade to solving daily challenges on Math Puzzle, an intrusive thought came through:
What happens if I ask ChatGPT to solve this?
It was a puzzle I had already cracked, but I was curious—would AI spot the pattern as easily as I did? Would it instantly confirm my answer?
I fed the puzzle into ChatGPT, expecting a quick solution. Instead, I got wrong answers—multiple times.
At first, I laughed. Maybe it was a fluke. Maybe I hadn’t framed the question clearly. But as I kept testing, I realized something more interesting: AI wasn’t struggling with calculations—it was struggling with perspective.
What Does This Mean?
AI is designed to process numbers faster than you and I ever could, following strict mathematical and logical rules. But that’s exactly where it falls short—because not all problems are purely mathematical.
Some require intuition. Some require stepping back and seeing the bigger picture. Some need that moment of “this doesn’t feel right” before the brain naturally finds the answer.
This became even more obvious when I switched between Math Puzzle, Lichess, and Clash Royale—games that require a balance of logic, adaptability, and creativity. AI might calculate the best move in chess, but can it anticipate an unpredictable human opponent?
This is where the human factor makes all the difference.
1. AI Doesn’t Consider Intent – Humans Do
When I approach a puzzle, I don’t just see numbers—I think about the puzzle creator’s intent.
- What trick am I supposed to notice?
- Am I overcomplicating this?
- Does this resemble something I’ve solved before?
AI doesn’t ask these questions. It blindly follows formulas and tries to force patterns, even if they don’t fit.
This is also why AI can struggle in Clash Royale—it might calculate the “optimal” move, but it doesn’t expect a bluff, an unpredictable attack, or an unorthodox strategy. Meanwhile, a human opponent? They thrive on breaking patterns.
2. Humans Know When to Step Back
Ever stared at a problem for too long, only to take a break and suddenly see the answer later? That’s because our brains keep processing problems even when we’re not actively thinking about them.
AI doesn’t do that. It keeps running calculations, even if it’s heading in the wrong direction.
Sometimes, when I’m stuck on a puzzle, switching to Clash Royale or playing a quick game on Lichess actually helps me solve it faster than just forcing an answer. Stepping back gives humans an advantage that AI doesn’t have.
3. Humans Learn From Their Mistakes Differently
When I get something wrong, I don’t just think, Oh, that was incorrect. I ask myself:
- Why was I wrong?
- What did I miss?
- How can I adjust my approach?
AI, on the other hand, doesn’t “feel” mistakes the way humans do. It doesn’t get frustrated, rethink its strategy, or recognize when it’s overcomplicating a problem.
That’s why in strategy games like Lichess or Clash Royale, I can remember how my opponent played last time and adjust my tactics. AI might analyze moves, but it doesn’t truly learn from experience the way a human does.
The Lesson From This AI Experiment
This little side challenge with ChatGPT made me realize something I already knew but now had concrete evidence for:
🔹 AI is a tool, but it’s not a replacement for human thinking.
We live in a time where people assume AI can solve everything. But whether it’s puzzles, strategy games, or real-life challenges, it’s not just about intelligence—it’s about adaptability, intuition, and perspective.
I actively use ChatGPT for a lot of things—mostly brainstorming, challenges, and sometimes things I’m too lazy to Google. But one thing I’ve learned?
Sometimes, trusting my own instincts leads me to the right answer faster than AI ever could.
So the next time you’re stuck—whether it’s in a game, a puzzle, or a real-life problem—don’t underestimate your own ability to figure things out. AI might be fast, but humans? We’re the ones who truly think outside the box.
Oracle Writes 