Opinion|Why Right-Hand Rule for Mazes Works
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September 6, 1989
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Section A, Page
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To the Editor:
Guy Maxtone-Graham's criticism of D. Q. O'Brien's maze extrication procedure (''Bearing Right Can Make You Go in Circles,'' letter, Aug. 15) may lead many not to use the right-hand rule when it does work. If upon entering a maze, one immediately puts out one's right hand, touches the entryway wall and then faithfully follows the right wall, the exit will be found without fail.
As Mr. Maxtone-Graham points out, many mazes have unconnected, or island walls. If one were to stroll into a maze, become disoriented and then try to use the right-hand rule, one might unwittingly follow an island section of wall. This would indeed mean going ''around the same circuit forever.'' If however, one starts with the entryway right-hand wall and never breaks contact with it, one will never become attached to an island wall. Thus, those who are consistent in applying Mr. O'Brien's right-hand-wall method, will find it to work without fail. ALEX JOYCE New York, Aug. 15, 1989
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