getting faster on 4X4 puzzles...

[pcuser]

Hi all,
I've gotten pretty good on the 5X5 puzzles, regularly scoring above 400 points. However, when it comes to smaller puzzles, I only average around 300 points. To really compete with high scores, I and others need to be able to blaze through the smaller ones for high points. Any suggestions would be appreciated greatly. Thanks,
pcuser

[imboris21]

You get less points for the 4x4 puzzles because they are easier. Even doing them in under 100 seconds you only get 340ish points. If you're looking for more points per puzzle stick to 5x5.

[moodymom]

The highest score I've ever gotten on a 4x4 is 356 points, and that was for 41 seconds. The only way to get higher scores is to do bigger puzzles. Get really fast at those, and you can score around 500 points.

[Joe]

Originally Posted by moodymom

The highest score I've ever gotten on a 4x4 is 356 points, and that was for 41 seconds.

Wow !!! I've seen a bunch of your records, but 41seconds is just crazy.

[pcuser]

Originally Posted by Joe

Wow !!! I've seen a bunch of your records, but 41seconds is just crazy.

Joe,

The best time I've posted is 17 seconds for a 5X5 puzzle. I received 531 points and a new record. I'd bet big money that Laura has done similar times also. When you play long enough like Laura and I have, you start recognizing the patterns very quickly and just fill in the answers on the top row to finish the puzzles. You still can't do it on every puzzle. However, it happens often enough that your average time goes way down. Just keep playing and it will come to you.

pcuser

[Vikermac]

Here is my question though:

What is the point in doing these puzzles if you don't have to read the clues, you are just filling in boxes?

I mean, in 17 seconds there is no way you can read and process every clue, so if you are just doing pattern-work, why do the puzzles at all?