LinkedIn PinpointAnswer & Solution
LinkedIn Pinpoint 601 Answer
LINKEDIN PINPOINT
December 22, 2025
Orcas
Pandas
Barcodes
Yin-Yang symbols
Piano keys: 52+36 across types
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When I first saw the clue "Orcas," my mind immediately went to the ocean. As an expert solver, I usually look for categories like "Marine Life," "Apex Predators," or even "Endangered Species." I almost typed in "Whales," but I decided to wait for the second clue to see if a more specific pattern emerged.
Once "Pandas" popped up, the "Marine Life" theory went right out the window. Now I had two very different animals. My next thought was "Conservation Icons" or "Mammals." However, looking at them together, the visual connection started to scream at me. Both are very famous for having high-contrast coats. I suspected the answer might be related to their colors, but "Animals with spots" didn't feel right because Orcas have patches, not spots.
The third clue, "Barcodes," was the real game-changer. This completely broke the "animal" theme, which tells a seasoned player that we are looking for a physical characteristic or a conceptual link rather than a biological one. Barcodes aren't alive, but they share that same stark, high-contrast visual style. At this point, I was 90% sure the category was "Things that are black and white."
To be safe, I looked at the fourth clue: "Yin-Yang symbols." This confirmed it perfectly. The Yin-Yang is the ultimate representation of dualism and the contrast between dark and light. It moved the puzzle from just "objects" to "symbols and concepts."
Finally, the clue about "Piano keys: 52+36" was the mathematical cherry on top. A piano has 88 keys, and anyone who has ever sat at a bench knows the 52 white keys and 36 black keys are the most iconic part of the instrument. After seeing all five clues, there was no doubt left. The connection wasn't about what these things *do*, but how they *look*.
Lessons Learned
Don't get trapped in biology: When the first two clues are animals, it’s easy to assume the answer is an animal category. Always be ready to pivot to "visual characteristics" if the third clue is an inanimate object.
Look for the "Lowest Common Denominator": Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one. Instead of looking for complex scientific links, just look at the colors. If everything you see can be drawn with just a black marker on white paper, you've found your theme.
Use the numbers: In clues like the piano keys, the math (52+36) is a huge hint. Whenever you see numbers in a Pinpoint clue, try to add them up or see if they relate to a famous standard (like 88 keys or 365 days).
Wait for the "Break": The third clue is usually the "pivot" clue. It’s designed to rule out the most obvious guess from the first two clues. Use it to narrow down your options before wasting a guess.
Expert Q&A
Why did the puzzle specify "52+36" for the piano keys?
This was a clever way to highlight the specific color split of a standard 88-key piano. By breaking it down into 52 (white keys) and 36 (black keys), the puzzle reinforces the "Black and White" theme through math rather than just a description.
Are there any other animals that could have fit this puzzle?
Absolutely. Zebras, Dalmatians, and Penguins are all classic examples of the black-and-white theme. However, Orcas and Pandas are often used because their patches are the most iconic and recognizable in the animal kingdom.
Is the Yin-Yang symbol always black and white?
Historically and traditionally, yes. While you might see artistic variations in different colors today, the fundamental philosophical concept relies on the contrast of "dark" (Yin) and "light" (Yang), which is almost universally represented as black and white.
Why was "Barcodes" included instead of another animal?
Including a non-living object like a barcode is a common strategy in Pinpoint to prevent the player from guessing "Animals." It forces the player to look for a broader connection, which in this case was the visual color scheme.
How do Orcas get their black and white coloring?
This is known as "countershading." Their black backs blend in with the dark water when seen from above, and their white undersides blend in with the sunlight hitting the surface when seen from below. This makes them more effective hunters, even though we just see it as a pretty pattern.