Welcome back, fellow word nerds and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cracking a truly ingenious
crossword clue
, especially one that serves as the lynchpin for an entire themed grid. Today, we’re spotlighting a recent brain-tickler that has garnered a fair bit of chatter, and for good reason: it’s the kind of clever construction that elevates a simple daily solve into a memorable linguistic adventure.
Our particular focus today is on a tantalizingly cryptic entry: “List of top-scoring players, and what the start of 17-, 23-, 39-, or 51-Across could be called?” Now, if that
crossword clue
doesn’t immediately set your mental gears whirring, you might be new to the world of themed puzzles. For the seasoned solver, however, this immediately flags itself as a revealer clue – the kind that, once solved, illuminates the hidden connection binding together several other long entries in the grid.
What makes a
crossword clue
of this nature so utterly compelling? Firstly, it’s a two-part marvel. The first part, “List of top-scoring players,” gives us a strong thematic anchor. Are we talking about sports legends? Chess grandmasters? High-achieving academics? The possibilities are broad enough to be intriguing, yet specific enough to guide our initial thoughts. This is where a good
crossword clue
starts to build its narrative.
Then comes the second, more structural, component: “what the start of 17-, 23-, 39-, or 51-Across could be called?” This is the classic “prefix” or “word-that-comes-before” type of thematic device. It tells us that the initial segment of those specific Across answers, when taken together, will somehow relate to the ‘List of top-scoring players.’ It’s a brilliant way for constructors to weave a cohesive narrative throughout their puzzle, making the solving experience far more rewarding than simply filling in definitions. It transforms what might be disparate words into a linked collection, unified by a single, elegant concept.
The real beauty of encountering a
crossword clue
like this lies in the process of deduction. You might have already filled in some of 17-, 23-, 39-, or 51-Across, or perhaps you’re using this revealer as a strategic entry point. Either way, the moment that unifying element clicks into place – that single word or phrase that perfectly completes the theme – is a pure “aha!” moment. It’s the reason we spend hours poring over grids, the ultimate payoff for our perseverance.
This specific
crossword clue
demands a blend of general knowledge (who are those top-scoring players?), lateral thinking (what connects the starts of those entries?), and an appreciation for linguistic patterns. It’s not just about knowing a word; it’s about understanding how words can play together, creating layers of meaning. So, as we prepare to delve deeper into the mechanics of this particular challenge, take a moment to ponder the possibilities. What came to mind for you when you first encountered this intricate
crossword clue
? What kind of list are we talking about, and what common element could possibly tie it all together? Get ready to stretch those mental muscles, because this is one
crossword clue
that truly showcases the art of puzzle construction.
Available Answers:
LEADERBOARD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Monday’s Daily By Amanda Cook / Ed. Patti Varol