Skip to main content
Bambleweeny logo

Expert clue

Two gaps must match

Also known in the clue library as Difference Equality (quantitative).

difference-equality
Clue pattern
The gap between one pair of items equals the gap between a separate pair, on the same scale.
What to mark first
Once one gap is known, only value pairs with that exact gap remain live for the other pair.
Common mistake
Solving the two pairs independently instead of using one known gap to constrain the other.
Mini-example
The gap between Mina and Theo's scores equals the gap between Priya and Sam's scores.
Print-book tip
Write both gaps as small equations side by side so the shared value stands out.

When and where this clue pays off

Two questions matter more than the pattern itself: does this clue give you everything now, or only later — and does it become a mark on the board, or a note you have to keep separately?

Builds as the board fills in

Almost nothing on its own. It only earns its keep once one of the two gaps is known.

Needs a written note

Keep both gaps as a written note side by side until one locks the other down.

Techniques that use this clue

Reading the clue is half the job. These are the methods that turn it into board progress.

Put it to work

See this clue type on a live board, or go back and browse the rest of the library.

Back to clue library Browse live puzzles