Logic Puzzles from multiple points of view 1/5

Over the next few days I’ll be posting a group of five puzzles, related by a “multiple points of view” theme.

None of these puzzles belong to me. And I don’t know where to extend credit. I think they’ve just sort of existed, forever.

Hats I

Pal, Ral, and Sal are blindfolded. Each has a hat placed upon his head. There are, and all know this, 3 red hats and 2 white hats.

We need to make this interesting. The 3 X-als are prisoners. If they can correctly state the color of their own hat, they go free. If they incorrectly state the color of their own hat, they are executed.

They are not risk takers. No one will guess.

Pal’s blindfold is removed. He can see Ral’s and Sal’s hats, but not his own.

• What color is your hat Pal?
• I don’t know.

Ral’s blindfold is removed. He can see the other two hats, but not his own.

• What color is your hat Pal?
• I don’t know.

The jailer approaches Sal. But before he can loosen the blindfold, Sal stops him.

• The color of my hat is ____

Finish Sal’s sentence. (ha ha). Explain his reasoning.

Place questions/clarifications below. To submit proposed solutions, click here.