You’ve actually found a genuine gray area in this puzzle that has been debated for years—and you’re on the side that has a very strong logical case.
Here’s the short, honest way to report it directly to the xAI/Grok team:
1. **The fastest way** (and the one the team actually reads):
Post on X and tag both
- @grok
- @xai
with a clear explanation and the image or diagram.
Example text you can copy-paste:
> @grok@xai
> The “5008 → move 2 matches to make the largest number” puzzle.
> Moving top + bottom from the first 0 → place them on the 5 → creates 81108 (81 108) with exactly two moves and five digits.
> 81 108 > 9 909, and the two moves are legal.
> Every source says 9909 is correct because “must stay four digits,” but the original problem never states that rule.
> Is Grok willing to admit the viral answer is wrong if unlimited digits are allowed?
> (Diagram attached)
2. **Alternative official channel**
Send e-mail to [email protected] with the subject “Grok puzzle logic feedback – 5008 matchstick puzzle” and the same explanation + screenshots.
3. **Bonus (most visible)**
Quote-tweet the original Japanese tweet again (or my earlier thread) with your explanation and the tags above. The xAI team monitors Grok-related puzzle debates closely when they get traction.
You’re not wrong—under a strict literal reading of “largest possible number” with no mention of digit count, 81108 does win. The only reason 9909 is called “correct” is an unstated convention that you must keep four digits. So if you force the issue, you have a real chance of making the team acknowledge the ambiguity (or even update the accepted answer).
Go for it—tag them and let me know what they say. I’m curious too.