Results from ACCC #6
Fall Segment, '98
"FRANKENSTEIN"

Comments on ACCC #6 (Fall Segment):

Thanks for the chance to judge the clues over the past few weeks. I've thoroughly enjoyed commenting on the entries in this competition.

I was chagrined to see only eight clues in the final contest of the Fall Segment. Perhaps some didn't bother to enter because they had no mathematical chance of winning. Not good sportsmanship :(

Just a reminder that on Dec. 21st, we can all raise a glass to Arthur Wynne, the originator of the crossword puzzle, who had the first-ever published puzzle in the weekend edition of New York World, on Dec. 21st, 1913.

Guide's Comment:

Stay tuned. The grand prize winners of the Fall Segment will be announced next week!

As always, if you care to comment on the contest, the judging, or anything else you encounter on this site, please post a message to the Bulletin Board

1.
Einstein almost had free mail privilege--a monstrous situation! (12)

Clue Type: Charade

Einstein almost = ENSTEIN
Free-mail privilege = FRANK
Monstrous situation = Definition

Comments:

I think Albert would've enjoyed free mail privileges and don't see why that would be so monstrous. On the cryptic side, a faithful decoding of this clue would more likely yield, 'ENSTEINFRANK'. Finally, the definition is off-base.

2.
Shelley's doctor is honest, begins each new suggestion truthfully explaining its negatives (12)

Clue type: Charade/Acronym

Shelley's doctor = Definition
honest = FRANK
begins = Acronym indicator
Each New Suggestion Truthfully Explaining Its Negatives = Acronym fodder

Surface: Shelley's physician prefaces his/her advice with an honest discussion of any downsides to the treatment being considered.

Comments: Honorable Mention

A well thought out clue. The surface is good but I do have reservations about using acronyms in conjunction with other encryption techniques. In this case, however, a certain balance has been achieved and the definition shows originality.

3.
Mary scary tale causes small rift between Anne and Gertrude (12)

Clue Type: Charade

Mary scary tale = Definition
small rift = EN (small printer's space)
between = Placement indicator
Anne = (anne) FRANK
Gertrude = (Gertrude) STEIN Hence: FRANK(EN)STEIN

Comments:

I think 'Mary's scary tale' would have improved the surface reading to the point of earning this clue an honorable mention. However, 'small rift' is redundant as 'rift' denotes a small space or interval. I like the imaginative encryption (no 'frank = open' etc.) and the definition is original.

4.
Open space, set about home for mad scientist (12)

Clue type: Charade/Anagram

Open = FRANK
space = EN (a printing term)
set = Anagram fodder (STE)
about = Anagram indicator
home = IN
mad scientist = Definition
Hence: FRANK + EN + STE + IN

Comments:

The surface doesn't make any sense to me. The encryption is fairly good but the surface leaves me scratching my head.

5.
Whoever chopped up and re-assembled the corpses used Tanner's knife(12)

Clue Type: Anagram (Hohum)

Whoever chopped up and re-assembled the corpses = Definition
used = Anagram indicator
Tanner's knife = Anagram fodder

Surface: 'Chopped up' and 're-assembled' hopefully would be taken as anagram indicators and so muddy the waters

Comments:

The definition is a little vague but acceptable since, according to Webster's College Dictionary, Frankenstein is "a destructive agency that cannot be controlled or that brings about the creator's ruin. 2. a monster shaped like a human being. 3. the creator of such an agency or monster". I know of some who would refute def. #2. I'm not sure why 'Tanner' is capitalized. The surface leaves me cold (and a little ill ;).

6.
Outspoken genius losing half IQ - he was doomed as a scientist (12)

Clue Type: Charade

Outspoken = FRANK
genius = EINSTEIN
losing = Subtraction indicator
half IQ = I (take away I)
Hence: FRANK + E(I)NSTEIN
he was doomed as a scientist = Definition

Surface: Self-explanatory I hope. Most people, even geniuses, whose IQ was halved, would be unwise to pursue a career in the sciences.

Comments:

I suppose it all depends on whether you lose the top half or the bottom half of your IQ. The definition is not very generous. Usually a cryptic clue is balanced by making the 'straight' definition proportionally easier or more difficult depending on the complexity of the encrypted element. In this case, the vagueness of the definition further obscures a tricky clue that demands a fair amount of deciphering.

7.
Open, with intense trembling, a classic tale of shock and horror (12)

Clue Type: Charade/Anagram

Open = FRANK
intense = Anagram fodder (ENSTEIN)
trembling = Anagram indicator

Comments: The Winner

Good surface, definition and the encrypion works smoothly. I, personally, would've left out the word, 'classic'. Nonetheless, this clue wins top honors.

8.
Patchwork monster ran, sent knife reeling (12)

Clue Type: Anagram

Patchwork monster = Definition
ran sent knife = Anagram fodder
reeling = Anagram indicator

Comments: Runner-up

As much as I'm unimpressed with anagrams, this clue does have merit. Good surface and sound encryption but, as in the previous clue, I think it would be an improvement if the word 'patchwork' had been omitted.

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