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? I had this meta idea in my notes for a while now, so I don't recall what the seed was. It was a stretch to get all of the required pieces into the grid, but then I went and made it into a pangram! I hope I haven't made the grid too difficult as a result; I've tried to provide some additional help where it might be needed the most. The meta should not be too difficult, though. The answer to the meta is a book by 69 across.
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 Jan 21, 2024 5:51 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!
but 26D? Is there some rule of the universe we need to make that error more times than we actually not make it?
Funny story. I was all set to enter Par for the course for the CrossHare midi contest for April but I mistakenly thought midi meant 7x 7 and not 11 x 11. Oops. Well.... Here's a complex but **small** meta on the subject of golf.
Crossed the MOAT and stormed the castle! Thanks for a neat puzzle Ben!
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!
woozy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:53 am
but 26D? Is there some rule of the universe we need to make that error more times than we actually not make it?
Darn it! I thought I'd got rid of that issue for good. I've edited Crosshare, but can't change the PUZ or PDF because I'm on a short holiday!
New clue for 26D: "Casablanca's Lund"
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!
woozy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:53 am
but 26D? Is there some rule of the universe we need to make that error more times than we actually not make it?
Darn it! I thought I'd got rid of that issue for good. I've edited Crosshare, but can't change the PUZ or PDF because I'm on a short holiday!
New clue for 26D: "Casablanca's Lund"
And it's the rule of the universe we always fix it with that .
Again... A really fun puzzle.
Funny story. I was all set to enter Par for the course for the CrossHare midi contest for April but I mistakenly thought midi meant 7x 7 and not 11 x 11. Oops. Well.... Here's a complex but **small** meta on the subject of golf.
woozy wrote: ↑Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:53 am
but 26D? Is there some rule of the universe we need to make that error more times than we actually not make it?
Darn it! I thought I'd got rid of that issue for good. I've edited Crosshare, but can't change the PUZ or PDF because I'm on a short holiday!
New clue for 26D: "Casablanca's Lund"
PDF & spreadsheet are corrected (without quotation marks):
Moat Crossed, Castle stormed.
Fun fact. Worked on the RF for 59D and The person who was responsible for 53A had been a professor at my college....which made the answer easy as it's a location at my college.
. 
Found my way across the moat; a delightful AHA! moment. Thanks, Ben!
