Have you ever seen a puzzle that makes your eyes and brain work extra hard? That is exactly what optical illusions do.
They look simple at first, but when you try solving them, they test your focus, attention, and observation skills.
The latest viral puzzle is a perfect example. The task is very straightforward: find the word ‘POT’ hidden among many ‘PUT’s. But the catch is you only get five seconds to do it.
While some people find it quickly, many others fail because the two words look almost the same. Let’s dive into how this illusion works and where the answer is hidden.
What Is This Optical Illusion?

When you first see the picture, it looks like a grid filled with the word ‘PUT’ written in black letters on a blue background. However, one word is different — ‘POT’.
Your challenge: spot the odd word before the 5-second timer runs out.
It may sound simple, but the more you look at it, the more your brain struggles to separate the two words. That is why so many people online are calling it one of the trickiest viral puzzles.
Why Is It Difficult to Solve?
The reason this challenge is hard comes down to three things:
- Similar-looking words: The difference is only between the letters U and O, which your eyes can confuse quickly.
- Repetition: Seeing the same word (PUT) again and again tricks your brain into ignoring small changes.
- Time pressure: Having just 5 seconds makes you rush and miss the answer.
These three factors together create the illusion, and that’s why only people with sharp focus are able to solve it instantly.
The Solution: Where Is ‘POT’?

If you couldn’t find it, don’t worry. Most people missed it on their first attempt. The hidden word ‘POT’ is located in the fifth row and the ninth column from the left.
Here’s the solution explained in a simple table:
Word to Find | Location in Grid | Difficulty Level | Time Limit |
---|---|---|---|
POT | 5th row, 9th column | Hard (similar words) | 5 seconds |
Once you know the position, the word seems obvious. But without that clue, the similarity between ‘PUT’ and ‘POT’ makes it a real test for your eyes.
Why Do People Love Optical Illusions?
Optical illusions like this are more than just a fun trend on social media. They actually give your brain a workout and help improve focus. Here’s how:
- Sharpen vision: You learn to notice small details that others may miss.
- Boost memory: Searching for hidden details trains your short-term memory.
- Stress relief: Solving quick puzzles feels satisfying and refreshing.
- Improve focus: You practice concentrating on one task under time pressure.
These little games act like a mini gym session for your brain. They are entertaining while also making you more observant in everyday life.
The viral puzzle to spot ‘POT’ hidden among ‘PUT’ in just five seconds may look easy, but it is a clever test of focus and attention. Most people miss it because their brain skips small details under time pressure.
The answer hides in the fifth row and ninth column, proving how our mind can overlook what is right in front of us.
By practicing such optical illusions, you can train your brain to think sharper, observe better, and improve concentration.
Next time you see a puzzle like this, remember — it’s not just about solving it, but also about sharpening your mind in the process.
FAQs
What is an optical illusion?
An optical illusion is a picture or puzzle that tricks your brain into seeing something different from reality.
Why do people enjoy puzzles like this?
They are fun, quick to solve, and also give your brain and eyes a workout.
How can I get better at spotting hidden words?
Practice regularly, slow down your eye movements, and pay attention to tiny differences between letters or shapes.