Fast solvers?

[mcgriffin93]

I've noticed that some of the high score holders in the monthly rankings seem to have unrealistic solving speeds. (For example, average solve speed of under 60 seconds for over 1,000 puzzles.) Are these individuals cheating, or have they just reached a higher plane of logic-puzzle-solving existence?

[tulga]

Hi,
As a player holding records under 60 secs in monthly competition tables, it's quite possible to solve games under 60 secs without cheating. However, you have to practise a lot.

[pcuser]

I also have practiced a lot. However, it is or was possible to do so by cheating. Long ago, I tested my ideas on a very small scale and under a different username so as not to taint my username. Those ideas worked and I stopped immediately so as not to mess up the statistics of this site. I can vouch for tulga as I have noticed statistics indicating some of his methods to do it fairly. For others, I can't say...

[mcgriffin93]

Thanks for the replies! I'm very impressed with both of your performances. Hopefully, with some practice, I'll eventually figure out some of your tricks.

[pcuser]

The most important thing to remember is play fairly in regards to others on the site and the spirit of the game and to have fun while learning the way to great stats.

[2manynames]

I have noticed someone now has 3.8s as a time. I am sorry but I cannot accept that anyone can do this without cheating.

[meeshaB84]

Your right, solving these puzzle in under 60 secs is unrealistic! After playing the puzzles for awhile you may notice a pattern in the results. That is how these "fast solvers" achieve their rank!

[pudgemudge2u]

So do the ones who are so quick at solving these puzzles just memorize each puzzle, or is there some other secret that "practicing" will help me discover? I can usually solve them, but just reading the clues takes 30 seconds to a minute, much less the time required to check the appropriate boxes. Help!!

[Laura]

After you've played for a while, you notice patterns in the puzzles. Specifically "the five people are" and the "among XXX and YYY" clues. You can solve them quickly that way, but I doubt anyone would waste their time doing so only to get high scores. I can only imagine that players are here for the pure enjoyment of solving logic puzzles. Although I've recognized the patterns I ignore them.

[pudgemudge2u]

Thanks Laura, you're right, they are rather addicting and I do like solving them for the enjoyment of it....but getting those little "trophies" for different things is a challenge and I find myself trying to win one of those. Need to learn to cut myself some slack. Thanks again, and hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday.