Search found 328 matches

by Neil Zussman
Thu Feb 21, 2013 6:19 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: B'day Championship Spoilers For Thursday February 21st 2013
Replies: 22
Views: 7094

Re: B'day Championship Spoilers For Thursday February 21st 2

If I hadn't risked belittled AND I'd spotted Ionisable AND I'd spotted Jealous AND I'd spotted Midsole AND I hadn't royally buggered up all 3 numbers rounds... then I would still have lost on a crucial conundrum. So I can't have any complaints, the better player certainly won. But I had a load of fu...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Feb 20, 2013 9:57 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: B'day Championship Spoilers For Wednesday February 20th 2013
Replies: 23
Views: 6746

Re: B'day Championship Spoilers For Wednesday February 20th

That was closer than I would've liked, but once again I was relieved to get the win! :) It's odd, but I think almost the only two conundrums I've got all series so far have been the ones in my own shows- seems I thrive under pressure, or something like that... Subprime was very annoying, I was very ...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:22 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: A massive thanks !
Replies: 44
Views: 14423

Re: A massive thanks !

I can't add much to what's already been said, but I'd also like to say a huge thanks to everyone- to Damian for allowing me back on, to everyone else who works on the show for making me feel so welcome, and to all the other contestants for just being such great people. It was an awesome experience, ...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:00 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Tuesday January 29th 2013
Replies: 26
Views: 7112

Re: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Tuesday January 29th

Thanks for all the nice words! Paul had me worried for quite a while there- whilst I'd love to say I gave him a 14 point headstart deliberately to add to the drama, that wouldn't be quite true! We probably should've spotted INSULATED, so that wasn't a great start, and things went from bad to worse w...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jan 30, 2013 7:43 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Friday January 25th 2013
Replies: 38
Views: 11007

Re: Birthday Championship Spoilers For Friday January 25th 2

Just caught up with this- a great game to watch, well played guys. It must be pretty dispiriting to be 18 points behind so early, so credit to Adam for fighting back. But Innis is an amazing player, the first and last rounds in particular were great spots, so congrats!
by Neil Zussman
Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:19 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: UK Open Sudoku and Puzzle Tournament 28-29 April 2012
Replies: 1
Views: 2112

UK Open Sudoku and Puzzle Tournament 28-29 April 2012

(Hope it's alright to post this here- obviously Countdowners are all intelligent people, so I thought it might appeal...) Hi all, Any Countdowners who are also interested in logic problems (the Sudoku/ Kakuro kind, not the word kind where you're told things like 'Bob is older than Sue, who owns the ...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Apr 01, 2011 9:29 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Anyone fancy a trip to Leeds?
Replies: 48
Views: 8534

Re: Anyone fancy a trip to Leeds?

Is there still a possibility that this will go ahead at some stage? I hesitate to say 'I'd like a trip to Leeds' but it's certainly a convenient location for me.
by Neil Zussman
Fri Apr 01, 2011 9:25 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: A sequence challenge
Replies: 12
Views: 4340

Re: A sequence challenge

The head of maths here has presented me with a sequence. It was apparently in an old year 7 question sheet, and it has flummoxed the entire maths department. What are the next few terms and/or what is the formula for the sequence? Here it is: 1, 2, 6, 15, 16, 16, —15, —17 Any thoughts welcome! Nth ...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Apr 01, 2011 9:09 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Wednesday March 30th 2011
Replies: 16
Views: 4016

Re: Spoilers For Wednesday March 30th 2011

Innis Carson wrote:Was that Neil Zussman?
Nice to be recognised, thanks. 8-)
I'd been hoping to see James Hall, but that didn't happen for obvious reasons. Still, I got 5 seconds of fame and a Countdown mug, which some would say is better. Sorry James. ;)
by Neil Zussman
Sun Jan 09, 2011 11:17 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Countdown in Lincoln 2011- Saturday 29th January
Replies: 229
Views: 32433

Re: Countdown in Lincoln 2011- Saturday 29th January

FA CUP 4th Round Draw: Arsenal/Leeds United v HUDDERSFIELD TOWN I think my CoLin debut might be in danger..... Incidentally, if it's Leeds, I'm defo going to CoLin. :D Why would you want to go there? Everyone knows the best 4th round match will be at the Liberty Stadium... Up the O's! :D Also in ca...
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:04 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Countdown in Lincoln 2011- Saturday 29th January
Replies: 229
Views: 32433

Re: Countdown in Lincoln 2011- Saturday 29th January

Is there an exceptionally kind person out there who would be able to give me a lift from Newark North Gate station (or somewhere nearby) to North Hykeham at about 10am on the 29th? It's only about 20 minutes away, so hopefully it shouldn't be too much of a detour, and we should still be in time for ...
by Neil Zussman
Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:26 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Define the largest finite number you can in 1000 characters
Replies: 39
Views: 5529

Re: Define the largest finite number you can in 1000 characters

I've read through it again and it is clear what he means actually. So I think I will declare Neil Zussman the winner. Well my point was more that by allowing someone to say "..." and use it as basically shorthand for something else seems a bit not in keeping with a character limit style p...
by Neil Zussman
Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:19 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Tuesday April 13th 2010
Replies: 19
Views: 4129

Re: Spoilers For Tuesday April 13th 2010

This means I'm still the last octochamp alphabetically, doesn't it? I'm far more relieved than I should be! :D Well done to Peter on getting 7 wins though, it must be pretty gutting to miss out at the end.
by Neil Zussman
Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:17 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Kirk's Countdown Experience - Out Now!!
Replies: 4
Views: 1964

Re: Kirk's Countdown Experience - Out Now!!

Good read, Kirk. I can't speak for all of it, but your account of our semi seems pretty accurate as I remember it. Like you, I was thinking that anorectal was an awesome made up word. And I was as devastated as you say, if not more. I might have a go at writing up my experience at some point in the ...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:58 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Friday March 26th 2010 - Edition 5000
Replies: 45
Views: 5272

Re: Spoilers For Friday March 26th 2010 - Edition 5000

Congrats on reaching 500 editions/ episodes Countdown! Let's hope for at least 5000 more. 8-) I did expect more fireworks though. Dave has gone down in my estimation. Fancy thinking that gradiates is a word. Muppet. :roll: Alt numbers solution for those odd people who like such things: 8*8*2+75=203...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:41 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Team Countdown/apterous
Replies: 31
Views: 4446

Re: Team Countdown/apterous

JackHurst wrote:Me, Josh and then anyone who doesnt feel awkward about being grouped with us.
Am I the only one who misread the antipenultimate word as 'groped'?
by Neil Zussman
Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:39 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Define the largest finite number you can in 1000 characters
Replies: 39
Views: 5529

Re: Define the largest finite number you can in 1000 characters

I've been thinking about this for a few days now, and I believe I've got an unbeatable answer. I hope I'm right, I've put a lot of effort into this. My answer is 639. I really think I've got this one in the bag.
by Neil Zussman
Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:37 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Raccoon Boy on Pointless
Replies: 100
Views: 12235

Re: Raccoon Boy on Pointless

We were treated fairly well, the only real gripe is that, because of the contestant rollover thing, we had to spend an entire day there with no filming. That's more the problem of the show's format than anyone treating us badly; the people were lovely. Just in case any bbc people wander onto the fo...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:30 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Countdown in London - Vote on a date here!
Replies: 44
Views: 7010

Re: Countdown in London - Vote on a date here!

Speaking of this thread, almost everything is set up. Keep an eye out for a special announcement next week (hopefully Tuesday). Maybe not Tuesday after all then? ;) Still a few hours left though. This looks like being a good event, I hope you choose a date when I can go. Not sure May would be the b...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:26 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Friday March 26th 2010 - Edition 5000
Replies: 45
Views: 5272

Re: Spoilers For Friday March 26th 2010 - Edition 5000

Congrats on reaching 5000 editions/ episodes Countdown! Let's hope for at least 5000 more. 8-) I did expect more fireworks though. Dave has gone down in my estimation. Fancy thinking that gradiates is a word. Muppet. :roll: Alt numbers solution for those odd people who like such things: 8*8*2+75=203...
by Neil Zussman
Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:44 pm
Forum: Countdown - Events
Topic: Countdown in London - Vote on a date here!
Replies: 44
Views: 7010

Re: Countdown in London - Vote on a date here!

Speaking of this thread, almost everything is set up. Keep an eye out for a special announcement next week (hopefully Tuesday). Maybe not Tuesday after all then? ;) Still a few hours left though. This looks like being a good event, I hope you choose a date when I can go. Not sure May would be the b...
by Neil Zussman
Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:30 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Raccoon Boy on Pointless
Replies: 100
Views: 12235

Re: Raccoon Boy on Pointless

Unlucky Michael/ Raccoon boy/ Whatever you prefer to be called. Very entertaining to watch though. Saying Jizz on national TV is worthy of winning any gameshow in my view. Is the trophy at least a half decent trophy? I actually saw the second episode of this series being recorded on Jan 6th (I think...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:26 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Friday December 18th 2009 Grand Final
Replies: 66
Views: 10686

Re: Spoilers For Friday December 18th 2009 Grand Final

Congratulations to Chris and commiserations to Andrew. To play a match against Andrew and not lose any round is pretty difficult to say the least, so Chris is a worthy winner. It didn't look like Andrew was too disappointed with £1000 though, so well done to both players. :)
by Neil Zussman
Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:12 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers For Thursday December 17th 2009
Replies: 118
Views: 11924

Re: Spoilers For Thursday December 17th 2009

What an amazing match! Well done to both players for making it such a great game to watch as a neutral. I totally agree with everyone who has said it was better than the semi in the previous series- I certainly enjoyed watching this one more! ;) It must be heartbreaking to lose in that manner though...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Dec 16, 2009 4:31 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wednesday December 16th 2009
Replies: 90
Views: 8140

Re: Spoilers for Wednesday December 16th 2009

Strange thread. This was a forum to discuss countdown when I last visited. Anyhoo. Well played Andrew. You're so much better than that other dude from Warwick in the last series. What was his name again? :? Also, I don't think I ever congratulated you for breaking Kirk's record, so well done for tha...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:32 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Octochamp Conundrum Difficulty
Replies: 25
Views: 3081

Re: Octochamp Conundrum Difficulty

Interesting stats, although I'm not overly surprised by the results. I thought I would get more votes to be honest- I mean I solved 6 of them (and should've gotten the other two) so they couldn't have been that hard, clearly. Innis had the hardest lot, despite having 7 fairly easy ones, just because...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:27 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: MENSA
Replies: 38
Views: 4064

Re: MENSA

I've considered joining (or at least trying to) a couple of times in the past, but the fee always puts me off. Could someone tell me what exactly they supposedly provide for this rather large sum of money? Ok, Neil. As I see it, this is what you get. Monthly magazine. A4 glossy. About 48 pages. Som...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:22 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: The most boring OFF-topic poll
Replies: 12
Views: 2283

Re: The most boring OFF-topic poll

I like marmite, but am not a fan of twiglets. I assume this makes me less weird than if the converse were true?
by Neil Zussman
Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:19 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Pick a number from 1 to 10
Replies: 42
Views: 5388

Re: Pick a number from 1 to 10

Dinos Sfyris wrote:Interesting result. I wonder how many that voted for 2, 4, 8 and 10 are cursing their co-voter as we speak?
Haha yes. Sorry Jim. If it weren't for me, you'd've been the joint winner of this amazing contest. :)
Would've been more interesting with more entrants though.
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:35 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Charlie Brooker's Newswipe (Tuesdays @ 10.30pm, BBC4)
Replies: 24
Views: 3914

Re: Charlie Brooker's Newswipe (Tuesdays @ 10.30pm, BBC4)

Why do they bother to get non-comic 'celebs' on? In one episode, they had Rufus Hound (funny), Josie Long (funny) and Jamelia (not). In this weeks, they had Frankie Boyle (funny), Josie again (funny) and Richard Bacon (better than Jamelia, but not so funny). Other than that, no complaints spring to ...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:31 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: MENSA
Replies: 38
Views: 4064

Re: MENSA

I've considered joining (or at least trying to) a couple of times in the past, but the fee always puts me off. Could someone tell me what exactly they supposedly provide for this rather large sum of money?
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:30 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Brandreth's Knowitalls
Replies: 27
Views: 3122

Re: Brandreth's Knowitalls

It's not the worst quiz in the world- even if it does involve Gyles Brandreth. I agree that it's quite an interesting idea for a quiz, espeically the last couple of rounds. I don't like the first round though; there just seems to be too much pot luck involved. Who decides which facts are more releva...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jul 15, 2009 1:26 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: Apterous Summer Open Week 4
Replies: 72
Views: 8918

Re: Apterous Summer Open Week 4

Neil Zussman 98-90 Dinos Sfyris Unfortunately we're both not available for the rest of the week to play the last game(s). Won't ask for an extension as it would put a strain on the rest of the tournament. I'm happy for Neil to have the overall win since he won the first one fair and square. If you ...
by Neil Zussman
Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:03 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Tuesday 14th July 2009
Replies: 28
Views: 3586

Re: Spoilers for Tuesday 14th July 2009

It's not often I beat so many top players, so I'm just posting to say that I was shouting 'Consonant, Pick a Consonant, be a C, a C!!!' before the last letter came up. And he did, it was, and I had a nine. Quality spot Andrew. :D You're slipping on the conundrums though, there was time for a light t...
by Neil Zussman
Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:00 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Damian/Damien
Replies: 20
Views: 2387

Re: Damian/Damien

Where's the option for 'I spell it wrong accidentally, cos I'm a muppet?'
by Neil Zussman
Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:00 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: ECLAMPSIA vs. ERGONOMIC
Replies: 21
Views: 2899

Re: ECLAMPSIA vs. ERGONOMIC

I didn't get it either, so if that had been our conundrum there is a chance that Eclampsia would've been used anyway, since the scores were still tied. So you'd still have won. So I wouldn't say you were lucky in that respect. I think they have a different conundrum lined up in the event of a tie-b...
by Neil Zussman
Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:23 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: ECLAMPSIA vs. ERGONOMIC
Replies: 21
Views: 2899

Re: ECLAMPSIA vs. ERGONOMIC

Ergonomic is the easier word out of the two in my opinion as I haven't even heard of Eclampsia. Having said that, Ergonomic is still quite a hard conundrum to solve as the ING sticks out like a sore thumb. I never got ERGONOMIC sat in the audience. I was lucky. I didn't get it either, so if that ha...
by Neil Zussman
Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:19 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Virgin poll
Replies: 9
Views: 1585

Re: Virgin poll

There should probably be an option for 'Good enough to reach the quarters.' Multiple winner (to me at least) implies somebody who would like to win the first game, then win the second just to prove it wasn't a fluke, but be happy to lose the third. I had slightly higher aspirations than that before ...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:30 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 10th July
Replies: 15
Views: 3691

Re: Spoilers for Friday 10th June

I was delighted to spot mastodon, so well done to whoever else spotted it, you've spoilt my moment of glory. ;)
Andrew's looking pretty hot at the conundrums (though today's was piss easy), I wonder if he'll do an Innis and get the first 7 before Damian thwarts him at the end.
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:21 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thursday 9th July (Andrew Hulme)
Replies: 36
Views: 3513

Re: Spoilers for Thursday 9th July (Andrew Hulme)

Andrew looked way too relaxed for a challenger. The fact that he had been on before gave him an unfair advantage. Also, the 3 highest challenger scores are now all by non-first-timers. They shouldn't let anybody on ever again if they lose first time. We clearly need a discussion about this. Anyway.....
by Neil Zussman
Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:34 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: Contestants You'd Like Too See Given Another Go
Replies: 124
Views: 23369

Re: Contestants You'd Like Too See Given Another Go

If I had been aware that young first time losers could possibly get another chance, I would have applied a long time before I did. The only thing stopping me was the fear that one day I would practice a lot and get really good, but not be able to go on. I don't agree that anyone should be let back o...
by Neil Zussman
Tue Jul 07, 2009 5:16 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: Which should be the next variant added?
Replies: 28
Views: 3175

Re: Which should be the next variant added?

Well very few players play blind matches except for duels, so I don't expect those to win. However, I would like to see some touchblind duels, and I've voted for that. Hyper blind a close second. I agree that the junior variants would probably be way too easy. 3 second juniortouch or juniorblind may...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jul 03, 2009 7:13 pm
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: getting nekkid
Replies: 31
Views: 2395

Re: getting nekkid

Having returned to good old Essex last weekend, at the end of term, this begs the question: What on Earth has happened to Leamington since I left? :o
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jul 03, 2009 7:09 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thursday July 2nd
Replies: 20
Views: 2200

Re: Spoilers for Thursday July 2nd

If only it was Goatdown. Was Innis fishing for a final E in Round 1? Would've been a great word to start the match with. 6 nice performances though Innis, looking good for Octochampdonship.
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jul 03, 2009 7:07 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Friday 3rd July
Replies: 10
Views: 2327

Re: Spoilers for Friday 3rd July

Charlie Reams wrote:
Sue Sanders wrote:Oooh - I didn't get CONSPIRE for 9 but I did at least beat dictionary corner with an 8 - PRINCESS!!
This word "beat"...
IIRC, DC said Innis had them well and truly beaten, and they only had sevens. So Sue is right to say she beat them. Another 8 was my favourite word ropiness :roll:
by Neil Zussman
Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:40 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: I Heart Touchdown.
Replies: 17
Views: 2120

Re: I Heart Touchdown.

How does the programming on touchundrums work? Does it choose a random letter to replace with a random other letter (ensuring uniqueness of solution) or are there pre-programmed settings? I ask because I have had 2 conundrums where the answer has had only one vowel, and both times the vowel ws the ...
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:56 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: I Heart Touchdown.
Replies: 17
Views: 2120

Re: I Heart Touchdown.

How does the programming on touchundrums work? Does it choose a random letter to replace with a random other letter (ensuring uniqueness of solution) or are there pre-programmed settings? I ask because I have had 2 conundrums where the answer has had only one vowel, and both times the vowel ws the c...
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:52 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: Numbers Variants
Replies: 6
Views: 1775

Re: Numbers Variants

Yeah, I didn't really want to do anything that required interface changes; the interface is enough of an implementation nightmare already, not to mention the difficulty curve of learning to use it. Yes, I did forget that being able to use numbers not in the selection would mess up the interface a l...
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:45 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: June Daily Duels
Replies: 53
Views: 5278

Re: June Daily Duels

Which duels are you contemplating zeroing? Is it just 22nd and 23rd? I did badly on both, so I'm perfectly happy for them to be zeroed, but to be honest, I didn't do badly cos I had a different duel, I did badly cos I played poorly, so there's no real reason to zero them, imho.
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:42 pm
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: Apterous Summer Open Week 1
Replies: 88
Views: 11185

Re: Apterous Summer Open Week 1

3 tight games with Kai, who was pretty unlucky (the only conundrum I beat him to was the only crucial one):

http://apterous.org/viewgame.php?game=81935
http://apterous.org/viewgame.php?game=81955
http://apterous.org/viewgame.php?game=81962
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:46 am
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: June Daily Duels
Replies: 53
Views: 5278

Re: June Daily Duels

I move that June's Duel competition be scrapped. Hell no. :evil: It's swings and roundabouts anyway, on Monday's duel my max seemed to be higher than most peoples, on Tuesday's it was a bit lower. Obviously it would be best if it was identical but it seems a shame to waste a whole month's effort. O...
by Neil Zussman
Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:43 am
Forum: apterous.org
Topic: Numbers Variants
Replies: 6
Views: 1775

Numbers Variants

Inspired by the new touchdown variant (lots of fun, btw) I've been trying to think of new numbers variants- whilst I enjoy winning, I always feel that, say, a goatdown victory against a bot is tainted just a tiny bit if I win by 10 points having gained 30 points on the 'normal' numbers rounds. If I'...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:33 pm
Forum: Games and Puzzles
Topic: Four 4s
Replies: 124
Views: 11605

Re: Four 4s

Presumably Kai means we can use double factorial. Thus 4!!=8 and ((4!!)!!)/4=96. This means 3=4!/4!!, i.e. 3 can be made using just two 4's. Thus 51, 45, 93 and 99 can now be made (see my previous post). I'm sure lots more numbers can be made as well, although interest in the puzzle seems to have wa...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:26 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Fri 19 June [The Final Countdown]
Replies: 85
Views: 9241

Re: Spoilers for Fri 19 June [The Final Countdown]

Congrats to both players! Well done on getting to the final Jimmy, you were a great contestant, and a nice guy too. The same goes for Kirk as well- a century was a fitting way to end, and some of the words in the final were awesome spots. Nounal for example sticks clearly in my mind. It's a shame yo...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:23 am
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]
Replies: 114
Views: 10915

Re: Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]

Thus if you have seen the exact sequence of letters before, you clearly have an advantage. And imho, this is an unfair advantage because the idea is to solve the anagram. That doesn't even make any sense. Who says what "the idea" is? Getting conundrums which you've seen before is a perk o...
by Neil Zussman
Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:59 am
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]
Replies: 114
Views: 10915

Re: Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]

In the Countdown context, would you disagree with my claim that remembering is less skillful than solving? No, but I don't see how it's relevant. The game isn't just a test of pure raw talent. Incidentally, if it was I'd still back Kirk over just about anyone; SUBSPACE alone is testament to his raw...
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jun 18, 2009 11:08 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]
Replies: 114
Views: 10915

Re: Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]

Neil, I agree with much of what you've said, but not with the notion that seeing a scramble before is lucky. As an analogy, suppose you prepare for an Integration exam; you learn all the techniques necessary. Moreover you've attempted lots of past papers, many more than any of your fellow peers. Th...
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:41 pm
Forum: Countdown - General
Topic: A strange Countdown image
Replies: 15
Views: 2709

Re: A strange Countdown image

Jimmy Gough wrote:This thread is a bit random so I thought I'd just say:

Did anybody see The Big Bang Theory yesterday? Some guy told Sheldon about some comic and he said "omg spoiler alert". It reminded me of the forum so much. It was, like, you know, well funny.
Saw that too, that show is hilarious. :D
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:40 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Thur 18 June 2009 [Series 60- 2nd SF]
Replies: 50
Views: 4477

Re: Spoilers for Thur 18 June 2009 [Series 60- 2nd

Congrats on the win Jimmy. You seemed pretty nervous, and no wonder when your opponent is prone to moments of brilliancy. But you spotted some nice words when it mattered. Good luck in the final, am looking forward to it. :) Does Hamish not get anything for making the semi-finals? Finalists always u...
by Neil Zussman
Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:33 pm
Forum: Countdown - Spoilers
Topic: Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]
Replies: 114
Views: 10915

Re: Spoilers for Wed 17 June 2009 [Series 60 1st SF]

In a way, it's very annoying- he had a massive advantage in that he'd seen the scramble before, which is a bit of an unfair advantage. It means he 'learnt' the answer rather than solving it, which is not really what the game is about. But I'm probably a bit biased. I object. I'd never seen the scra...