Decoding the Cryptic: Another Head-Scratcher Solved
The daily crossword ritual. It’s a mental gymnasium, a linguistic playground, a source of both triumphant “aha!” moments and frustrating “wait, what?” stares. Today’s puzzle presented its usual mix of the straightforward and the devilishly clever, and amongst the clues that fell with a satisfying “click,” one stood out, demanding a little extra contemplation. It read: “Get dealt 9-8-7 in blackjack, say.”
Now, immediately, the mind jumps to blackjack. The game of 21, where fortunes are won and lost (mostly lost, if my personal experience is anything to go by) on the turn of a card. We’re given a specific sequence: 9-8-7. That’s not a particularly strong starting hand, is it? It’s not a natural, not even close. But the clue explicitly tells us this is something you might
get
dealt. So we’re not necessarily looking for a winning hand or even a desirable one.
The phrase “say” is important. In crossword parlance, it often signals that we’re looking for a synonym, an example, or something related conceptually. It’s not necessarily a direct translation of “get dealt 9-8-7 in blackjack.” We need to think laterally.
Thinking about blackjack, what actions are common? We
hit
. We
stand
. We
double down
. None of those fit the bill directly, at least not numerically. But what about the consequences of receiving that specific sequence? How would a player react? What situation would they find themselves in?
The numbers themselves might be a distraction. Perhaps the clue isn’t
about
the specific cards, but rather the outcome, the state of play they represent. Consider the rules of blackjack. The aim is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. What happens if you
do
go over?
The tricky thing about this clue is the ‘say’. Is it pointing towards something that mimics the experience of the specific hand, the act of receiving those particular cards? Are we looking for a word associated with chance, risk, or a less-than-ideal situation?
Another avenue to explore is the language surrounding blackjack. There’s a whole lexicon dedicated to the game, filled with terms that might not be immediately obvious to the casual player. Perhaps the answer lies within this specialized vocabulary. Think about phrases like “soft hand,” “hard hand,” “push,” and the various strategies players employ.
Remember, crossword clues often rely on misdirection, wordplay, and a touch of cryptic thinking. The seemingly straightforward surface of the clue can often conceal a more subtle and ingenious solution. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, to consider different angles, and to play with the words themselves.
This particular “crossword clue” requires a blend of blackjack knowledge, linguistic agility, and a healthy dose of patience. It’s a reminder that the best crossword puzzles are more than just a test of vocabulary; they’re a workout for the mind.
So, armed with this information, go forth and conquer! Let the quest for the answer begin. Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
BUST.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – It%27s The End Of The World As We Know It By Adrian Johnson