“9 or 10, but not 11 or 12” – Decoding the Number Riddle in Crosswords
Ah, the joy of a crossword puzzle! A delightful challenge, a brain teaser, a satisfying way to fill a quiet hour. But sometimes, those clues just leave us scratching our heads. Today, let’s tackle a common type of clue that often throws solvers for a loop: the number riddle.
We’ve all encountered clues like “A baker’s dozen, minus three” or “The number of innings in a baseball game,” These clues are a play on our familiarity with specific numerical values, often linked to common phrases or objects. They require a bit of lateral thinking, a sprinkle of general knowledge, and maybe a dash of humor.
Today’s clue, “9 or 10, but not 11 or 12,” falls squarely into this category. It’s a simple statement, seemingly straightforward, yet it hints at a concept that requires a bit of unpacking.
Let’s break down what the clue is telling us:
The Clue’s Focus:
The clue emphasizes a specific range of numbers (9 and 10) and excludes another (11 and 12). This suggests the answer isn’t simply a number but rather a concept or a word that is linked to these numbers in some way.
Possible Interpretations:
The clue could be referring to:
A specific group or set:
Is there a group of items that typically contains 9 or 10 members, but not 11 or 12? Think about common sets like days of the week, planets in our solar system, or even the number of fingers on two hands.
A measurement or quantity:
Could the clue be hinting at a measurement like a foot, inch, or gallon? Are there specific increments within these measurements that align with 9 or 10, but not 11 or 12?
A numerical pattern or rule:
Perhaps the clue points to a mathematical pattern or a rule that applies to the numbers 9 and 10, but not 11 or 12.
The Path to the Answer
The key to unlocking this clue is understanding the underlying logic behind the numbers 9, 10, 11, and 12. What connects these numbers? What makes them distinct from one another?
The clue isn’t about the numbers themselves, but rather about a broader concept that these numbers represent.
Start by brainstorming, exploring different possibilities, and looking for patterns. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – sometimes the most obvious answer can be overlooked!
Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
CARD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 18 Aug 24, Sunday