Hello, Puzzlers! Grant Sanderson plays "Which Big Number is Bigger"
Jan 19, 2026
In this fun discussion, Grant Sanderson, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Three Blue One Brown, dives into the intriguing world of math and puzzles. He shares his unique perspective on Wordle, comparing human intuition to algorithmic strategies. Listeners will enjoy a segment where he determines which big number reigns supreme, like ants vs. nanoseconds. Grant also tackles the mind-boggling concept of combinatorial explosion and offers insights on overcoming math phobia with engaging puzzles. Plus, he reveals the quirky origins of his channel's name!
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Episode notes
Wordle Through Information Theory
- Wordle can be analyzed with information theory to find maximally informative guesses.
- Grant used entropy to evaluate opening words and explain expected information gain.
Bugged Wordle Recommendation
- Grant published a Wordle video recommending Crane but later found a bug.
- He corrected it and later identified Salet as a better opening word.
Human Heuristics vs Algorithmic Play
- Humans play heuristically while algorithms optimize expected outcomes.
- Psychological factors like vowel exploration and 'vibe' often guide human guesses in word games.
