TPS wrote: ↑Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:21 am
I will say one thing that did help was following Joe Ross’s guide. By doing that I found and highlighted the theme clues and I looked at the last across answer which is what made me think first names would be the second step.
If I may, this
Joe Ross's guide has never been published. Not sure that this is ready for prime time, but all are welcome to it and all can improve upon it, no doubt.
AKA
The Basics:
Title
Every Contest Crossword (CC, meta) has a title which relates to the answer and/or solving mechanism.
Meta Clue
Every meta has a Meta Clue which relates to the answer and/or solving mechanism.
Theme Entries / Theme Answers (TEs)
Roughly 75% of past WSJCCs use Theme Entries in their constructions & solving mechanisms.
Most TEs can be found in the physical layout of the grid, typically are the longest Across grid entries, are symmetrical within the grid, and include the center answer, if the meta has an odd number of letters.
Many times the Meta Clue will mention the numbers of letters in the meta answer. This is a clear indication that Theme Entries exist & play in the solving mechanism & meta.
Some TEs are not based on physical layout, but are indicated by clues. TEs can be indicated by asterisks, numbers or number pairs, questions, blanks, or other distinct similarities or methods within a Contest Crossword's clues.
The
absence of TEs (+/-25% of past WSJCCs) is an indication that the meta may take a physical pattern within the grid, may rely entirely on the Title &/or Meta Clue, may be clue based, or may rely on a combination of these.
Indicator Clue & Answer (IC)
Often (I should research the % of use in past WSJCCs), there is a unique Indicator Clue & Answer to further guide the solver or hint at what to do with data gleaned via the previous Basics. The IC is often, but not always, found as the last Across or Down clue. Sometimes it may be the center-of-grid Across or Down clue/answer. If it exists, it will be critical to solving the meta.
There are always outliers and exceptions, which include some of the more brilliant constructions. If
The Basics lead nowhere, they can, at least, indicate to look for something exceptional. More difficult metas can use all of
The Basics, yet also include further patterns, clue-based mechanisms, etc.
Also, since Matt Gaffney has created 50% of past WSJCCs,
The Basics can be used in solving MGWCCs.
Finally, there is a treasure trove of guidance from much more talented & successful solvers in the
Hints for Solving Meta Contests.
As always, good luck, Muggles!