How Do Super Searches Work?

Thu, 04/06/2023 - 12:09pm by emjane

How do the letters connect?

When looking for words in a Super Search, the letter triangles connect edge-to-edge, rather than point-to-point.

Let’s use this sample grid as an example.

 

These are all ways words can be found:

CAT (left to right)                                                                          

               

HIP (right to left)      

                  

 

TRAIT (diagonally to the lower right)                                                   

       

HIT (diagonally to the upper left)

                                

 

TORN (diagonally to the lower left)                                      

PIT (diagonally to the upper right)               

                         

 

These are NOT ways words can be found:

COB (every letter in the word does not connect edge to edge)

 

BOUT (words cannot “turn corners”)

 

How on earth do I approach solving one of these?

Every Super Search has at least one category that has a clearly limited set of answers, like “Months of the Year,” “Ivy League Schools,” or “Planets.” Though every item on these lists won’t be in the Super Search, they’re a great starting point, and you can treat it like you might treat a traditional word search list (though, remember, not EVERY word will be in the puzzle). As you’re searching for those words, you’ll likely find that others in different categories jump out at you. As you continue to find more words, a good tip is to look for words in large spaces where you haven’t found any yet. Though there are always some letters left – otherwise how would you find your code?—they won’t all be in a row!

You will need to work from a paper copy to solve one of these puzzles! Don’t have a printer? Stop by any of our library branches and we can print a copy for you!

 

What’s the deal with singular / plural? Why are there exceptions?

Answers are not plural, though there are a few key exceptions to this rule. Sometimes a word is only used in its plural form, like the word PANTS in the topic “Types of clothing.” Sometimes the answer is an idiom that only works with a plural answer, like HORSES in the topic “Things you hold.” And, lastly, sometimes the answer is a brand name or title that takes the plural form, like CHEERIOS in the topic “Cereal Brands.”

 

But wait! I don’t know “Pokemon” “Forms of Poetry” or [fill in the blank]!

Don’t worry! You aren’t cheating if you Google to find lists of potential answers. We recognize that not every person is going to be familiar with every set of words that appears in a puzzle and searching the internet for possibilities is a great way to fill in the gaps!

 

Hey! I found a word, but I don't think it fits in any categories!

You probably did! There are LOTS of words in these puzzles, and many are there unintentionally! Ideally, when you find a correct word, there shouldn't be doubt about whether or not it fits a category, though, of course, we're all bringing different vocabulary sets to the table. When in doubt, circle it in pencil (or make a note) and come back to it later. OR, see tips below about how to double check things with us.

 

THIS IS HARD!

Good news! It’s supposed to be a challenge! That’s why it’s rated EXTREMELY TRICKY! Like many word-puzzles, it can be helpful to walk away from it for a bit and return with fresh eyes. But, if you’re really stuck, email us at supersearchhelp@aadl.org and we’ll do our best to jump-start you!