This should be fun. It's an old problem that many of you will have heard of, but perhaps forgotten. The aim is to make different numbers using exactly four fours and only standard mathematical symbols [I'll clarify if there are any that may be in doubt, but +, -, *, /, ^ (power) operations, . [for decimals], ! [factorial] , ( and ) [brackets], and root symbols are fine].

The twist is that, this being a forum, what we'll do is solve each number sequentially up to as high as possible. Whenever we grind to a halt, trophies will be generously donated to whoever has the highest total(s). Provisional rule: only one number at a time for a person, unless everyone else gets stuck. Also, to be clear, no jumping ahead: only the solution for the next number can be posted.

At the end, if someone has solved 4, 17 and 37, they will score 58 points.

Confused? Don't be. I'll set the ball rolling by providing an inspired solution for the number 1. Next problem will be to express the number 2 using exactly four fours. Who will be quickest?

The Brain Strainers of chess.com!