In this article, we discuss the spot problem, which we have used many times in our work with preservice and in-service teachers of secondary mathematics. This problem appeals to us because of its multiple connections. First, it illustrates that patterns and proof are both necessary in mathematics and are related to each other. Moreover, in working on this problem, students connect geometry, algebra, graph theory, and combinatorics. Finally, the problem connects with another well-known problem, the pizza problem, which we describe subsequently.