"A Puzzle Of Firsts" by benchen71

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!)
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benchen71
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"A Puzzle Of Firsts" by benchen71

#1

Post by benchen71 »

Welcome to...

benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? Why are we so obsessed with being first? I guess it comes from our innate selfishness, something the writers of the New Testament were at pains to counter. As Paul says in Phil 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." It's something we see in Jesus' teaching, too: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matt. 7:12) OK, that's enough preaching from me. On to the meta, the answer to which is a three-word answer to a question.

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.

A Puzzle Of Firsts - Crosshare
A Puzzle Of Firsts - PUZ
A Puzzle Of Firsts - PDF
A Puzzle Of Firsts - spreadsheet

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

havefun.gif

It's time for a prize! One successful solver will be selected at random and will receive the MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack (which, by the way, is available for purchase here). The winner (and purchasers!) will gain access to 14 metas (and a mega-meta!) that will fit nicely into those spare moments over this holiday period.
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Jan 07, 2024 4:58 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! :shock:
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rjy
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Location: Gaithersburg, MD

#2

Post by rjy »

Moat crossed, castle stormed! Happy new year, Ben, and thanks for the puzzles!
Ray
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hoover
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Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2021 7:26 pm

#3

Post by hoover »

MOAT crossed!
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lbray53
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Location: Elkhorn, WI

#4

Post by lbray53 »

MOAT crossed. I was sure that I saw the path right away and and even had what I thought was confirmation. I worked very hard to make it work, but it was the wrong idea. I finally stumbled upon the mechanism.
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
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boharr
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Location: Westchester, NY

#5

Post by boharr »

Moat drained.
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DrTom
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Location: Jacksonville, FL

#6

Post by DrTom »

Crossed my first MOAT of 2024 (obviously the law about crossing was globally lax). Nice first of the year Ben. You are bound and determined to teach us cricket though.
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!
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CPJohnson
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#7

Post by CPJohnson »

Crossed the MOAT! All by myself, though with a stumble or two. It was not what I thought at first. Thanks, Ben!
Cynthia
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Meg
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Location: St. Petersburg, FL

#8

Post by Meg »

Crossed the drawbridge with ale for all!
Check out and support http://CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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Cinny
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#9

Post by Cinny »

Crossed the MOAT. Nice start to the year, Ben. Thanks!
Cindy Heisler
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Berto
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Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2022 4:10 pm

#10

Post by Berto »

Moat crossed, castle stormed!
Thanks Ben!
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ky-mike
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Location: Near Louisville Ky

#11

Post by ky-mike »

Nice one, Ben. Moat crossed and castle stormed.
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ChrisKochmanski
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Location: Saline, Michigan

#12

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

Crossed! Stormed!

Thanks, Ben!
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Darth
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Location: Champaign, IL

#13

Post by Darth »

DeMOATed...but only after first playing a game of cricket! Thank you, Ben!
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MatthewL
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Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2020 11:57 am
Location: Atlanta, GA

#14

Post by MatthewL »

Moat crossed, castle stormed, still puzzling over the meaning of 50D (I could Google, but I'm lazy). Thanks for the puzzle, Ben!
Matthew
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benchen71
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#15

Post by benchen71 »

MatthewL wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:28 pm Moat crossed, castle stormed, still puzzling over the meaning of 50D (I could Google, but I'm lazy). Thanks for the puzzle, Ben!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/End-of- ... _character
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! :shock:
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hcbirker
Posts: 2017
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2019 7:24 pm
Location: Studio City, CA

#16

Post by hcbirker »

Moat crossed after using a different word. Thanks Ben and happy new year!
Heidi
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HeadinHome
Posts: 1090
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Location: Charlotte, NC

#17

Post by HeadinHome »

Posted on Crosshare this morning but forgot to announce here, Moat Crossed! Thoroughly enjoyed! Can’t say more without spoiling.
The other Wendy. :roll:
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whimsy
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#18

Post by whimsy »

Untitledzzhighclere.png
Made it into Highclere Castle, and toasting with the house plonk to Ben and another year of great puzzles!
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benchen71
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#19

Post by benchen71 »

The first 24 hour period has come to an end. Here is the first last of successful solvers:

Hector
rjy
hoover
Laura M
Cindy Weatherman
Pair O Ducks
LarsCaine
boharr
JM
Mg305
Darth
Berto
DrTom
Meg
CPJohnson
HeadinHome
Cindy Heisler
kurtalert
kymike
Tyrpmom
I K Snamhcok
MatthewL
Quiara
Robert Loy
LB800
Carolyn
Mr Tex
Tim
heidi
Golem
Alex Sisti
Darrell
markhr
Danny K Bernstein
lbray53
whimsy

That's 36 to get this new year of MOAT puzzles started!
Last edited by benchen71 on Wed Jan 03, 2024 5:34 am, edited 1 time 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! :shock:
Top
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Jeremy Smith
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Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2019 5:45 pm
Location: Tampa Bay area

#20

Post by Jeremy Smith »

Fun one! Thanks, Ben!
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