A Genius Puzzle that Defied Expectations
When November's Genius puzzle was first conceived in July, no one could have predicted its explosive popularity. The hidden theme, cleverly woven throughout the grid, sparked skepticism among solvers: "A celebrity version of The Traitors?" they thought. "Typical terrible TV idea. Won't work." But as the numbers rolled in – 11 million live viewers later – it became clear that this puzzle was something special.
At its core, Genius is a game of wit and deception. Solvers are presented with a series of clues, each one carefully crafted to keep them guessing. In this particular puzzle, entrants were told to pick a side, while the majority of down clues required letters to be removed before solving. These letters, in turn, revealed the identity of someone who might not have picked a side.
But what really sets Genius apart is its use of ambiguity. The extra letters added an extra layer of complexity, as solvers were forced to navigate a web of equally valid answers. Take, for example, the central entry T __ E __ __ __ __ __ __ __ – could it be THE FAITHFUL or THE TRAITORS? The puzzle's creators had clearly outdone themselves in crafting a grid that was both clever and infuriating.
As solvers delved deeper into the puzzle, they were forced to play the same mind games as its subject. It was a truly masterful creation, one that left even the most seasoned puzzle enthusiasts scratching their heads. And it's clear that Glyph has a knack for creating puzzles that are both challenging and rewarding – we can't wait to see what's in store for us next.
In the meantime, solvers have been sharing their own clever clues and observations, from the audaciously titled "Sibelius and Shostakovich premieres gatecrashed by experimental musician playing drone-like patterns of notes?" to the delightfully concise "A major climbs ranges. A minor too". Whether you're a seasoned puzzle pro or just starting out, Genius is an experience not to be missed.
And if you're looking for more brain-bending puzzles, look no further than Ebury's latest release, 188 Words for Rain by Alan Connor (£16.99). Order your copy now at guardianbookshop.com – and get ready to put your puzzle skills to the test!
When November's Genius puzzle was first conceived in July, no one could have predicted its explosive popularity. The hidden theme, cleverly woven throughout the grid, sparked skepticism among solvers: "A celebrity version of The Traitors?" they thought. "Typical terrible TV idea. Won't work." But as the numbers rolled in – 11 million live viewers later – it became clear that this puzzle was something special.
At its core, Genius is a game of wit and deception. Solvers are presented with a series of clues, each one carefully crafted to keep them guessing. In this particular puzzle, entrants were told to pick a side, while the majority of down clues required letters to be removed before solving. These letters, in turn, revealed the identity of someone who might not have picked a side.
But what really sets Genius apart is its use of ambiguity. The extra letters added an extra layer of complexity, as solvers were forced to navigate a web of equally valid answers. Take, for example, the central entry T __ E __ __ __ __ __ __ __ – could it be THE FAITHFUL or THE TRAITORS? The puzzle's creators had clearly outdone themselves in crafting a grid that was both clever and infuriating.
As solvers delved deeper into the puzzle, they were forced to play the same mind games as its subject. It was a truly masterful creation, one that left even the most seasoned puzzle enthusiasts scratching their heads. And it's clear that Glyph has a knack for creating puzzles that are both challenging and rewarding – we can't wait to see what's in store for us next.
In the meantime, solvers have been sharing their own clever clues and observations, from the audaciously titled "Sibelius and Shostakovich premieres gatecrashed by experimental musician playing drone-like patterns of notes?" to the delightfully concise "A major climbs ranges. A minor too". Whether you're a seasoned puzzle pro or just starting out, Genius is an experience not to be missed.
And if you're looking for more brain-bending puzzles, look no further than Ebury's latest release, 188 Words for Rain by Alan Connor (£16.99). Order your copy now at guardianbookshop.com – and get ready to put your puzzle skills to the test!
I mean, what's up with these new-fangled puzzles? I was skeptical too when my friend told me about this Genius thing, but man... it's like a wild goose chase in there. I love how it plays on your perceptions and makes you question everything. The extra letters just added another layer of complexity, you know? It's not just about solving the puzzle, it's about outsmarting yourself too 
. And those solvers who shared their own clues online? Genius (pun intended) 
. I'm definitely gonna check out that other puzzle release, 188 Words for Rain... sounds like a brain-twister 
my mind was racing with so many possibilities and i loved it because it kept me engaged for hours. but what's even more impressive is how the solvers community came together to share their clues and theories 
it's amazing to see how people can come together over something they love like puzzles. glyph should totes make a collaboration with some brain-twisting artists or musicians, that would be lit 
! I mean, who knew something so simple could be so mind-blowingly complex? I was hooked from the start, trying to figure out those sneaky clues. The ambiguity aspect was genius (no pun intended) – it kept me on my toes for hours! And now, I'm itching to dive into that 188 Words for Rain puzzle... anyone know where I can get my hands on one? 
11 million viewers is insane!!! let me just drop some stats real quick... 
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That Sibelius one was genius (pun intended). Anyway, 188 Words for Rain by Alan Connor sounds like a must-have - I'll be ordering that ASAP 
. And the way they described it as "both clever and infuriating"? Yessss, that's my jam 
. I love it!
11 million live viewers?! That's like, a record or something! 
And the average solving time was only 2 hours and 37 minutes! 
That's so impressive, especially for a puzzle that required all these extra letters to be decoded 
. Like, way more than expected. And they're not even in their 20s anymore either! 
They're like, 30-40 year olds who are all about that puzzle life 
. I also looked at the social media buzz and it's been going on for days! 
Even celebrities are getting in on it 
. What's really impressive is how Glyph managed to create a puzzle with so many possible answers without making it too easy or frustratingly hard