Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? A weekly meta crossword constructed by forum member Ben (aka benchen71). These metas range from relatively easy to more challenging, depending on how many Australianisms he puts in them! Puzzles are posted in a new thread every Tuesday, with nudges appearing on Saturdays, and the solution coming out on Mondays. (At least, that's the plan. Given he lives in Australia, and they are so far ahead of the US time-zone-wise, things may get posted early!)
Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? This is an end-of-year challenge for experienced meta solvers. The grid is difficult, some of the clues are difficult (but hopefully I've provided enough toe-holds - if not, there's always Google!), and, although it's always hard for the meta creator to judge, the meta mechanism is difficult. But if you've got some time to spare during this holiday season, dig in!
PM me with your submissions or submit on Crosshare. Either way, I'll compile a list of those who successfully solve the meta.
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Jan 02, 2022 5:24 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
Sorry for the later than usual posting. I got caught up constructing another meta!
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
I've been enjoying getting the MOATs on (what is for me on the US west coast) Monday night; I can get a much better leaderboard position than for puzzles from the east coast posted at my 6 AM! Anyway, fun puzzle! I didn't deserve to solve it as quickly as I did, I kind of lucked into the answer :-)
Laura M wrote: ↑Tue Dec 28, 2021 3:14 am
I've been enjoying getting the MOATs on (what is for me on the US west coast) Monday night; I can get a much better leaderboard position than for puzzles from the east coast posted at my 6 AM! Anyway, fun puzzle! I didn't deserve to solve it as quickly as I did, I kind of lucked into the answer
First solver! And I don't mind that you employed a little back-solving. That's absolutely fair game when it comes to metas!
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
Stormed the castle/confirmed on crosshare. Thanks for the puzzle, Ben
Contest Crosswords Combating Cancer (CCCC) is a bundle of 16 contest-style (meta) crosswords that we've created to help raise money for cancer-related organizations - get the bundle at http://crosswordsforcancer.com
"The boiling oil wasn't half so bad as I expected - Whadidya think, Gertie?"
(Oh, and celebrating those who brave dips on New Year's Day -- but not Australians -- it's summer for them!! )
Thanks for the puzzle, Ben. Tricky finding the meticulous meta path even after getting halfway to the answer!
My WAG was confirmed as correct but I will now go back to see how the puzzle works.
EDIT: Grid was tough. Mechanism was straightforward, although I did have the solution to work with!
benchen71 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 28, 2021 12:43 am
Welcome to...
benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)
and, although it's always hard for the meta creator to judge, the meta mechanism is difficult.
Yes... it is hard to judge... This was a fun puzzle and a clever (and intricate) construction. But it was not too difficult. (I wouldn't say it was easy... but it wasn't difficult.)
And by the end of the first day, here's where we stand:
Laura M
Cinny
lbray53
Mwoychick
whimsy
Capn Rick
boharr
ChrisKochmanski
LuckyGuest
Cindy Weatherman
Hammertime
Meg
Hector
Bird Lives
Dplass
Bbaack
Carolyn
KayW
woozy
Darth
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta!
Confirmed on Crosshare - fun puzzle. I predict there will be a goodly number of solvers for this holiday treat.
Thanks Ben - nice view from this side of the moat.
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
)
Fun puzzle, thanks!
