Countdown

[Bazile]

On countdown a set of numbers were chosen and the computer came up with the total to find

Both contestants were one away from the figure

Rachel stated that the figure was impossible to reach

I thought that the computer generated a number that was always possible to get ?

[elliemay1]

I think it just generates a random number

[GenuineclAss]

Not the first time this has happened.
I've seen quite a few episodes in the past where the answer evaded Rachel and even Ms Vorderman!
I remember once, when Carol said that she couldn't find an answer and Richard Whiteley had done it...he was able to sit there and dictate how to reach the answer and of course, he got an enormous round of applause!

[THECORBYLOON]

CECIL generates a random number. It's not always possible to reach the target but I'm not sure how they would know so quickly that it's impossible (unless it's obvious).

[Old_Geezer]

No, it's random. When I first saw it I thought the cards had something embedded in it so the computer knew what to use in it's algorithm, but apparently it's simpler than that.

[andy-hughes]

Corby - // It's not always possible to reach the target but I'm not sure how they would know so quickly that it's impossible (unless it's obvious). //

It will be obvious to Rachel, who clearly has a computer instead of a brain - and is hypnotically gorgeous as well - the full deal.

[Captain23]

So, Old_Geezer, did you think this swish technology was in the cards back in 1982?

[bhg481]

Captain - what swish technology do you mean? All you need is someone typing the numbers into a computer as the cards are turned up and it's job done. Computers in 1982 were easily capable of doing the necessary sums.

[Old_Geezer]

Should've been a breeze in 1982. Bet you did it yourself on your Commodore 64 ? In BASIC ?

[Tuvok]

I remember seing an episode (probably the Cats version) where she gave hints how to get the answer quickly.

[Old_Geezer]

That would be interesting. If you find a link to the video, please post.

[Tuvok]

http://www.alaricstephen.com/main-featured/2016/9/4/the-9375-trick-in-countdown

[Tuvok]