What is a first-stringer?
A first-stringer is a term used in sports to refer to the best players on a team, who usually start the game or play the most minutes. In contrast, a second-stringer or a scrub is a player who is less skilled or experienced, and often sits on the bench or plays only when the game is already decided.
Why is it relevant to the NYT crossword?
On March 31, 2023, the New York Times crossword puzzle featured a clue that baffled many solvers: “No first-stringer”. The answer, which had five letters, was SCRUB. Many people complained that the clue was too vague, obscure, or unfair, and that the word scrub was not commonly used in that sense.
According to Crosswordeg.net, this clue was last seen in the NYT crossword on December 21, 2023, where the answer was also SCRUB. However, the clue then was more specific: “No first-stringer, in sports”. Some solvers argued that adding the word “in sports” would have made the clue easier and more accurate, while others defended the clue as a clever and challenging wordplay.
How to solve tricky clues like this?
Crossword puzzles are known for their tricky clues that often require lateral thinking, word association, or general knowledge. Sometimes, the clues are intentionally misleading or ambiguous, to make the puzzle more fun and difficult. For example, a clue like “River feature” could mean a bend, a bank, a dam, or even a delta.
To solve these clues, solvers need to use various strategies, such as:
- Looking for the theme of the puzzle, which might give a hint about the type of answers expected.
- Filling in the crossing words, which might narrow down the possible choices or reveal the correct letters.
- Considering different meanings or synonyms of the clue words, which might lead to a different interpretation or a pun.
- Using online tools or resources, such as dictionaries, thesauruses, or crossword solvers, which might suggest some potential answers or confirm the correct one.
Conclusion
The clue “No first-stringer” in the NYT crossword puzzle of March 31, 2023 was a source of frustration and debate for many solvers, who found it too hard or obscure. The answer, SCRUB, is a slang term for a second-stringer or a low-skilled player in sports. To solve clues like this, solvers need to employ various techniques, such as looking for the theme, filling in the crossings, considering different meanings, or using online tools. Crossword puzzles are a great way to challenge one’s brain, learn new words, and have fun, but sometimes they can also be a test of patience and perseverance.