A pre-filled reply in a crossword puzzle, usually supplied as a place to begin or trace, will be described as an preliminary entry. For instance, a puzzle that includes historic figures would possibly provide “Lincoln” as a place to begin for the “sixteenth U.S. President” clue.
These preliminary entries serve a number of functions. They’ll simplify the fixing course of, notably for learners or with difficult puzzles. They’ll additionally introduce themes or subjects throughout the puzzle, offering solvers with context or a body of reference. Moreover, they are often strategically positioned to interconnect varied sections of the grid, facilitating completion. The follow of together with pre-filled solutions doubtless advanced alongside crossword puzzles themselves, as constructors experimented with methods to steadiness issue and engagement.