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? Happy holidays, everyone! Here's a puzzle that will, I trust, help you focus on the reason for the season. The answer to the meta is what X replaces.
The easiest way to submit is on Crosshare (and you get instant feedback and unlimited attempts!) But you can also PM me with your submission. Either way, I'll compile a list of those who successfully solve the meta.
Special comment for those solving on paper after competing the grid but before attempting the meta:
It was my intention that to complete the grid those tricksy squares would contain Xs. That's what would have got you successful completion if you were solving electronically.
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Dec 25, 2022 5:04 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta!
Crossed the MOAT without resistance...
Inside the castle, I was surprised to find
a table spread, a crackling fire, and the
scent of pine and spiced wine...
The perfect themer and its meta for this week. Thanks for the Christmas gift, Ben! Part of the gift is a very long earworm I started to hear and hum… then just decided to find it on Spotify and go for the whole thing. Ahhhhhh…. !
Check out this very cool project by many of your favorite muggles to raise money to fight cancer. You get a fun puzzle bundle and good causes get $. Win-win: Crosswords for Cancer
Crossed the MOAT. Two silly incorrect grid entries forced me to try some weird mechanisms. I finally saw my error. Something that made me uncomfortable at the beginning was beautifully resolved by the meta. Thanks Ben. As others have said: “A Gift”
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
Castle stormed. I enjoyed the puzzle as well as the Crosshare visuals.
