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an odd puzzle ...

Joined
Oct 31, 2004
Posts
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The clues lead indirectly to a single word.

example
(bright) light 6
*****************************
fox 3
marmalade 6
cab 6
beans 5
background 4
plant 5
flower 6
*****************************

This was a (failed) effort to gain the attention of my 14 yrs old nephew. His life is consumed by a great deal of screentime, mobile, tablet, tv, movies, gaming etc. I offered him a reward if he could solve the puzzle, with help if neccessary, but not a flicker of interest.

An older nephew has taken up the challenge, but weeks later still no solution. I wonder if it is more difficult than I thought, or just lack of application.

My goal was to create something akin to a crossword, but requiring more consideration and reasoning. Also crosswords, even fiendishly hard ones, can easily be completed using solver apps.

A search engine can help with my puzzle, but not until you work out what you are looking for. In this case Google does not have the answer, until you have the question(s).
 
I'd love to give it a go but I don't get it at all :)

Can you explain the example at all?

example
(bright) light 6
 
So we have a number that relates to the length of the word we are looking to get?
 
a promising start from my first two students:)

Finding the answer will show understanding of the puzzle, but real benefit is mental exercise and a sense of achievement.
 
The 14 yr old had a couple of other clues including,

just an illusion
 
Solved in less than an hour, and just for fun!

I conclude that domainers are smart and motivated. I wonder how you would get on with something more difficult, and a tangible prize.;)
 
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