MIT Mystery Hunt

[3][4] Because the puzzle solutions often require knowledge of esoteric and eclectic topics, the hunt is sometimes used to exemplify popular stereotypes of MIT students.

[5][6] The hunt begins at noon on the Friday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when the teams assemble to receive the first puzzles.

Each puzzle hunt is created and organized by the winning team of the previous year, which can lead to substantial differences in the rules and structure.

[7] At noon on the Friday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day the teams gather at MIT, where organizers present a skit revealing the hunt's theme and the initial round of puzzles, as well as announcing rules and other administrative matters.

[citation needed] The distinguishing feature of the present-day Mystery Hunt is employing the solutions to all the puzzles in a round to solve a metapuzzle, usually lacking any instructions.

Solutions to these classic puzzles are further complicated by employing arcane or esoteric topics like quantum computing,[8] stereoisomers, ancient Greek,[9] Klingon,[9] Bach cantatas,[10] coinage of Africa,[11] and Barbie dolls.

[12] Puzzles might also employ pictures, audio files, video games, physical objects, and/or locations within MIT or the Boston area.

The individuals who found the coin were allowed to take their pick of a $20 gift certificate to the school bookstore, a $50 donation to the charity of their choice, and a keg of beer.