Math Is Fun Forum

My answer

POSITION AT END OF ROUND 5

Valid words: (rover ears lank end)

POINTS:
ZHero........................ 2 (end)
mathsyperson........... 1

What puzzle are you talking about, where is it and how am I supposed to know the answer to either of these questions... please.

POSITION AT END OF ROUND 3

Valid words: (rover ears lank end)

POINTS:
ZHero........................ 2 (end)
Mathsyperson........... 0

I was feeling very uncomfortable about disallowing ZHero's word "end". I thought the POD was being downright absurd. I checked in the NEW OXFORD DICTIONARY of 1998 and found it equally absurd.
But I have decided to overrule these stupid dictionaries. SOWPODS (most dear to Scrabble players) allows it and so does even TWL98, the much more conservative American Scrabble dictionary.

So there!

SPECIAL NOTE: From now on players score 2 points for each valid word, plus 1 point for each list they submit. (But remember, only one list per player per day please.)

Good questions. There is the single, simple rule for valid words that never changes and is pre-defined. Ideally, I should have deposited that rule with an impartial judge. But the game is not serious enough for that.

Then there are also the other rules, which must change in accordance with the needs of the time: for instance the rules about how many words can be submitted, whether inflections and repetitions are valid, how points are scored, and so on.

It is impossible to foresee the dodges or stratagems that players may adopt in order to amuse themselves or to cause trouble, so these other rules cannot be pre-defined.

ZHero, you will be pleased to hear that you have found a valid word! I won't say which, before noon, because that would be giving other contestants an unfair advantage. (reaping the benefits of your work prematurely)

Every word added to the list of valids will make this problem easier. But I don't look too kindly on the idea that others let you do the spadework and then capitalise on it by pouncing in for the kill.

I am introducing rules to protect the rights of the workers!
But I have encouraged this slacking I suppose by saying that daily entries were not compulsory.

From noon tomorrow, when everybody will have had a whole day in which to see this warning, those players who submit more lists than others will be given a compensatory advantage. You have been warned!

Here is a hint: life may be complex, but this game isn't.
By complex I mean rules involving "and" or "or"
Examples:
Simple rule: "valid words must contain x"
Complex rules: "valid words must contain x or z", "valid words must contain s and c".
This is a simple game: complex rules are undesirable in this type of game.

ZHero: As special reward for activity, and so you do not lose out today because of this hint being given after your entry, you may submit another list today if you like.

Time to update as promised: ZHero has submitted a list already, but it contains no valid words so the list remains
( rover ears lank ) and there is no score so far.

Thanks, ZHero, I fixed it now. The Shakespeare too - I didn't mean to use that heterodox spelling.

If it's any help, ZHero, I'll solve the Pe. Ta. El. part ... the rest looks like a code to me, I guess you are meant to find letters for the numbers...   "Periodic Table of the Elements", something that exists in Physics or Chemistry.

I like your avatar of 5 intersecting cubes! but nobody seems to have a clue about your puzzle: could you give a bit more info? Are those periods representing letters that need to be filled in? In that case my guess is "strumpet". I did not read what you wrote for those who have done this puzzle, as I have not.