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? Where do meta puzzle ideas come from? Sometimes a phrase occurs to you and you think: that could be a meta mechanic! Then it becomes a puzzle in itself to see if the idea can be squeezed into a grid that can be clued in such a way that someone like yourself can come along and complete without too much googling. Let's see how this one goes! You're looking for a six-letter noun.
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.
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Apr 09, 2023 6:48 pm, edited 3 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!
Berto wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 12:20 am
I believe I have it… hoping Ben is awake to confirm (middle afternoon??)
Yes, I was awake. It's nearly 2:30pm and I'm sitting in a year 7 science class (it's an extra, not my regular class) marking year 11 assignments on biblical interpretation. Nice to have the occasional crossword-related distraction!
And you did have it! Well done.
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!
Near the end of the first 24 hour period here's who made it to the correct answer:
SporcleMirror
lbray53
boharr
I K Snamhcok
MatthewL
Darth
rjy
DIS
woozy
Hector
JHSeeman
Laura M
Carolyn
kymike
Cindy Weatherman
Meg
ChrisCross
Pair O Ducks
imontoo
whimsy
Bbaack
Berto
markhr
That's 23 to get us started. But the lowish number might indicate either:
1) I misjudged the difficulty; or
2) everyone's doing the MMMM!
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!
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!
2. The six entries that are clued as three are suspicious. Why would these be clued together? Also, you're after a six-letter answer and 2x3=6!
3. If you do what the title instructs you will end up with 6 clues that have answers elsewhere in the grid.
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!
