On Scoring

[LorenaBobbitt]

Is there any way to see a list of puzzles that you have the high score on?

[oddcouple]

I've been doing these for about three years. I seem to have a knack for solving them, but not very fast. I play 25-30 puzzles a month. About 90% of the time, I can solve without the hints. I'm seldom very fast, but congratulate myself when I get into the fast zone. I have surprised myself twice by setting a record time, but never got back to either puzzle to see if I'm still the record holder. And frankly, I don't pay much attention to leader boards as I don't play often enough to get any recognition. They're fun, but I'm not obsessed with them.

[Molasses]

LorenaB, I agree completely. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Stephen Hawkings was horrible at Acrostics.
I think that being intelligent and well read helps with Acrostics, but there is also a requirement for general trivia knowledge. As well as skills at filling in the puzzle quickly, and memory of frequently used clues/answers.
I think the ability to finish puzzles that have only been finished by 60% of those who attempted it says more about your skill at this game, than how fast you solved it compared to other successful players.
The trick is to remember that you're playing this for fun, and stop worrying about how fast the puzzle is solved.
The stats given bring out the competitive side in me, and I assume others, but it's more fun to do these puzzles if you aren't caught up in being the fastest.

[LorenaBobbitt]

I don't think there is necessarily a direct correlation between IQ and either word game ability or Jeopardy-style trivia knowledge. I'm very into word games and I auditioned for Wheel of Fortune! I made it through the whole audition and they took down my information and everything, but sadly I never got the call

[DogMa]

Applemania, my IQ is a few points lower than yours and I am not a fast typist, but I almost always score higher than average unless I'm interrupted or distracted while solving. I've always been a reader and I worked as a proofreader and editor, so I have a large vocabulary and am attuned to the patterns of letters in words. Try, if you can, to pay attention to what your brain and your fingers are doing while you're solving. Maybe you have a habit of looking away from the screen while you're thinking and you get distracted, or you keep your fingers moving and tap a key accidentally, then have to correct (speaking from experience).

[jugl11]

I did audition for Jeopardy once, in 1974, when Art Fleming was the host. No such thing as the Internet then, of course, so I went to NYC to take the initial screening test. Never heard back from them.

[imported_Tica]

Been there, done that! July 6, 2006.

[Applemania]

I've been doing these puzzles for years and have only once achieved a 'better than average' score! Now i'm no expert, but it seems that the scoring system is just a bit unrealistic, unless you're dealing with nothing but geniuses, lol! It makes me feel kinda dumb, but i know i'm not with an IQ of 151 (maybe the scoring was off) Maybe the samples aren't large enough or something. Anyways, maybe some kind of explanation could be made on your behalf? i almost always get through the puzzles without any help now, but i'm thinking that anyone who can average in the 'above average' category should maybe consider signing up for Jeopardy, lol!