Show HN: A daily arithmetic puzzle with a hidden Hard Mode
make24.appI built a small browser puzzle game:
Each day you get 4 numbers and try to make exactly 24 using +, −, ×, ÷. Each number must be used exactly once, and fractions are allowed.
I like puzzle games that are very easy to start but still genuinely challenging, so I tried to make this one as small and streamlined as possible — no signup, no ads, and not much UI beyond what is needed to play. Much of the AI-assisted coding work was cutting away clutter.
Three moves with no undos in less than 60 seconds constitutes a perfect solve.
After you solve the daily puzzle, a hidden Hard Mode appears. Using the same four numbers, you try to fill as many reachable integer targets as possible before the timer ends.
A few implementation details:
puzzles always have at least one valid solution
Hard Mode computes the reachable target set dynamically
everything runs in the browser
mobile-first, but playable on desktop too
keyboard input works on desktop
Two things I’d especially love feedback on:
Does Hard Mode make sense within the first 10 seconds?
Anything in the UI feel unnecessary or unclear?
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