Five Hats Brain Teaser

This is a very old brain teaser that has been around for a long time, but is still worth repeating.

There are five hats in a box. Three white hats and two black hats. There are three men who, with out looking reach in to the box and and put on a hat. Man number 1 stands facing a wall and can not see his own hat. Man number 2 faces Man number 1 and can see Man number 1's hat, but can not see his own hat. Man number 3 faces Man number 2 and Man number 1 and can see both their hats, but can not see his own hat.

( See figure below )

When Man number 1 was asked what color hat he was wearing, he replied that he did not know. When Man number 2 was asked what color hat he was wearing, he replied that he did not know. When Man number 3 was asked what color hat he was wearing, he replied that he did not know.

When Man number 2 was queried again, he gave the same reply. Man number 1 spoke up and said that he knew what color hat he was wearing! What color hat was Man number 1 wearing and how did he figure it out?

If you think you have the answer or would like the answer please contact me ( Gary ) at gary@ais.org