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? Merry Christmas for yesterday! With this "week 4" puzzle we have reached the end of 2023 as far as MOATs are concerned. I trust you have enjoyed these weekly puzzles of mine. I know I have greatly enjoyed, not just the intellectual challenge of putting these meta puzzles together, but the two amazing online communities: xword-muggles and Crosshare! Your encouraging comments, groan-worthy puns, etc. are a big part of why I keep releasing these things each week. And here's to more to come in 2024!
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 Dec 31, 2023 5:03 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!
Don't forget about the MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack, available for purchase here. Gain access to 14 metas (and a mega-meta!) that will fit nicely into those spare moments over this holiday period. Make sure you join the bustling community of successful solvers by submitting your answers on Crosshare!
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!
Moat crossed, thanks for the puzzle, and here's to a great 2024!
Shannon PS: If you want help with a meta, PM what you have so I can help without spoiling too much. I've received lots of help in the beginning and I love to pay it forward!
Hector
Berto
Laura M
SamKat9
LarsCaine
Meg
Ergcat
boharr
DIS
DebbieC
Tim
MatthewL
lbray53
Cindy Weatherman
I K Snamhcok
Tyrpmom
Darth
Golem
That's 18 to get us started.
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!
A solver update well after the end of the second 24 hours:
Philip Chow
hoover
whimsy
woozy
That's just 22. I think nudges are in order...
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!
1. The hint in 38 across means you need to look for something related to CHILDCARE hidden in the grid in four places.
2. If the reference to "thinking historically" is too vague the historical period in question is the first century of the Common Era.
3. "How Very Scenic" is a very subtle reference to a Nativity Scene.
4. You're looking for four mangers hidden in the grid.
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!
Needed the second nudge, though I probably shouldn't have. Fun one, thanks.
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
Needed ALL the nudges (was seeing either too much or not enough). But I may be temporarily off my game. Holidays wear out the traveling Nanas and PopPops!
Finally crossed the moat with the assistance of the nudges. I had seen areas in the grid that I needed to see, but didn't see enough. Fun puzzle! Thanks, Ben!
