The Riddle:

 

Four criminals are caught and to be punished.  The Judge will grant them freedom if they can can solve a puzzle.  If they do not, they will be hanged in the public square.  They agree.

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The 4 criminals are lined up on some steps (shown above).  They are all facing the same direction.  A wall separates the fourth man from the other three.

Man 1 can see man 2 and 3

Man 2 can see man 3

Man 3 can see none of the others

Man 4 can see none of the others

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The criminals are all wearing hats that were provided by their jailers.  They are told that there are two white hats and two black hats.  The men do not know what color hat they are wearing.

They are told to announce what color hat they are wearing as soon as they know for certain what color it is.

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They are not allowed to turn around or move.

They are not allowed to talk to each other.

They are not allowed to take their hats off.

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Who is the first person to announce the color of their hat?

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