oddity Wednesday 21 September 2024

[TRex]

When is the last time the Standard puzzle had more words than the Challenge puzzle of the same day?

[Alan W]

It actually happens fairly often.

Most recently before today, on 5 September, the Standard puzzle (ENCIRCLED) had 48 common words and the Challenge (STONEWALL) had only 40.

Looking at total words, common plus rare, on 13 September the Standard (HARLEQUIN) had 118, while the Challenge (DETERMINE) had 105.

[TRex]

Thanks, Alan. I am so accustomed to the Challenge having more words than the Standard that I didn't realise it happens 'fairly often'. I'll need to be more observant!