Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

Puzzle 120: Tug of War

Three tug-of-war matches between eight horses were draws, so who must pull against E and F for a fourth draw?

Chapter: Chapter 5
Location: West Y-Road · Lila
Picarats: 30 picarats
Type: Tap Answer
Region: Same in all versions

Hint 1: A gentle nudge. Tap to flip.

Hint 1

Treat each draw as an equation: the two teams pull equally hard.

Tap to flip back

Hint 2: The key idea. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.

Hint 2

Combine the equations to find relationships between single horses.

Tap to flip back

Hint 3: Almost there. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.

Hint 3

You should find that B and C together equal G, and that H equals A.

Tap to flip back

Answer: See the answer. Unlocks after the previous card is flipped.

Answer

The answer is horse D on its own.

Tap to flip back

Solution, FAQ and sources

Solution

Write each draw as an equation of pulling strength:

1. A + B + C + D = E + F + G + H 2. H + C + B = G + A 3. D + A = F + H + E

From 3, E + F = D + A − H. Put that into 1: A + B + C + D = (D + A − H) + G + H, which simplifies to **B + C = G**. Put that into 2: H + G = G + A, so **H = A**.

Then E + F = D + A − H = **D**. Horse D alone pulls exactly as hard as E and F together, so that match is guaranteed to be a draw.

About this puzzle

Eight horses, A to H, have had three tug-of-war matches, all draws: A B C D against E F G H, then H C B against G A, then D A against F H E. Which horses should face E and F so that the fourth match is a draw too?

Unofficial fan guide, not affiliated with LEVEL-5 or Nintendo. Puzzle description, hints and solution written by Hint by Hint.

All Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box puzzles

FAQ

What is the answer to Puzzle 120, Tug of War, in Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box?

The answer is horse D on its own.

Where do you find Puzzle 120 in Diabolical Box?

Puzzle 120 appears in Chapter 5, in the West Y-Road area, when you talk to Lila.

How many picarats is Diabolical Box Puzzle 120 worth?

30 picarats.

Sources

Professor Layton Wiki (Fandom): Puzzle:Tug of War
StrategyWiki: Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box/Puzzles 101-125
Professor Layton Wiki (Fandom): Module:PuzzleData/DB

Facts checked on November 14, 2026

Unofficial fan guide. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by LEVEL-5 Inc. Professor Layton, The New World of Steam, and all related names, characters, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.