Insight · ★★☆☆☆ · ~3 min
Two Squares from Four
Twelve matches, four squares. Remove two sticks — then count again.
by MindYourPuzzle
Twelve matchsticks form a 2 × 2 grid of four small squares — 8 sticks around the outside, 4 forming the cross in the middle.

Remove exactly 2 matchsticks so that exactly 2 squares remain.
Every remaining stick must be part of a square — no dangling leftovers. Describe which sticks you remove.
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