Competitive Crossword Solving: What Clues to Avoid?

What clues do competitive crossword solvers try to avoid?

Competitive crossword solvers try to avoid overly lettered names, numerical answers given as ranges or hints, and focus on using their intuition to solve cerebral puzzles.

Clues to Avoid in Competitive Crossword Solving

In the world of competitive crossword solving, participants are careful to steer clear of certain pitfalls to increase their chances of solving puzzles quickly and accurately. One key aspect is avoiding clues that can lead to errors or slow down the solving process. Let's delve deeper into the clues that competitive crossword solvers try to avoid:

1. Overly Lettered Names: Competitive solvers avoid overly obvious or excessively lettered names or words in clues. These can distract from the more subtle nuances required to fully solve a crossword. To excel in competitive solving, participants focus on finding the most efficient and effective pathways to completing the puzzle.

2. Numerical Answers Given as Ranges or Hints: Another type of clue that competitive solvers tend to avoid are numerical answers presented as ranges or hints. These clues are intentionally crafted to deter shortcuts and make thorough checking challenging, thereby ramping up the difficulty level of the crossword puzzle. Competitive solvers must navigate these types of clues with precision and care to maintain their momentum.

3. Intuition as a Key Tool: Competitive crossword solvers often rely on their intuition or initial instincts to guide them through challenging puzzles. This interactive approach to solving allows players to backtrack, reassess, and experiment with alternative solutions. By trusting their intuition and experience, competitive solvers can swiftly progress through crossword puzzles and stay ahead of the competition.