[Jack Simth]

Simple riddle:

Three men walk into a restaraunt and jointly order a platter of potatoes. Before the platter arrives, however, all three fall asleep. After the potatoes arrive, the first wakes up and eats what he believes is his fair share - one third of the potatoes. Then, he falls asleep again. The second wakes up and, not knowing the first has eaten, eats what he believes is his fair share - one third of the remaining potatoes. The second then falls back asleep. The third wakes up and, not knowing the other two have already eaten, eats what he believes is his fair share - one third of the remaining potatoes. The third man then falls back asleep. After that, there are eight remaining potatoes. How many potatoes had been on the platter at the time they were served?