Welcome to the latest edition of the Genius crossword, number 272, which presents a fascinating and intricate challenge for dedicated solvers. This puzzle incorporates a clever mechanical twist that requires both logical deduction and careful attention to detail.
The Turtle's Journey on the Grid
At the heart of this crossword is a unique scenario involving a turtle. The turtle begins its movement from a perimeter cell on the grid and proceeds forward, moving cell by cell in a systematic manner. As it travels, the turtle responds to specific markers it encounters along its path.
If the turtle lands on a cell marked with an L, it executes a 90-degree turn in an anticlockwise direction. Conversely, if it encounters a cell marked with an R, it turns 90 degrees clockwise. In all other cases, where no such marker is present, the turtle continues moving forward in its current direction without any change.
Clue Modification for Extra Instruction
Adding another layer of complexity to the puzzle, solvers must engage in a preliminary step before tackling the clues directly. Within each clue provided, one word must be identified and removed. This is not a random process; the words to be omitted are arranged in a specific order based on the sequence of the clues.
Once these words are removed in clue order, the first letters of these words spell out an additional instruction. This extra guidance is crucial for fully understanding and solving the puzzle, as it likely relates to the turtle's path or the overall objective.
The Ultimate Goal: Tracing a Letter
The primary aim for participants is to determine what letter is traced by the turtle's path. The turtle continues its movement until it exits the grid, but with a key condition: it must have made at least one turn during its journey. Upon exiting, the path it has followed will have outlined a specific letter of the alphabet.
Solvers are tasked with deducing this traced letter, which serves as the final answer to the puzzle. The answer should be entered in the provided space, marked as Traced letter: ___, completing the challenge.
Competition Details and Entry Deadline
This puzzle is part of an ongoing online competition hosted by The Guardian, offering a monthly prize of £100 to the winner. To participate, entrants must ensure they are registered and signed in on theguardian.com website. The deadline for submitting entries is strict: 23:59 GMT on Saturday, 28 February. It is essential to complete registration in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
For those new to the competition, a one-time registration is required, after which you can sign in to access and enter the puzzle. This initiative encourages engagement with crosswords and puzzles, fostering a community of enthusiastic solvers.
This Genius crossword not only tests your vocabulary and clue-solving skills but also challenges your ability to interpret spatial movements and follow layered instructions. It's a perfect blend of traditional crossword elements with innovative puzzle mechanics, sure to captivate and intrigue.
