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Expert clue

This value sits strictly between two others, order unknown

Also known in the clue library as Positional Betweenness (undirected, quantitative).

positional-between
Clue pattern
The subject sits strictly between two named items, but which one is larger is not given.
What to mark first
Test both possible orderings of the two boundary items and keep only values strictly between them either way.
Common mistake
Assuming the first-named boundary item is the larger one — the order is not given.
Mini-example
Mina's finish was strictly between Theo's and Priya's — the order between Theo and Priya is unknown.
Print-book tip
Sketch both possible orderings in the margin until the board settles which one is real.

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

It waits on the same boundaries as strict betweenness, plus one extra unknown: which boundary item is actually larger.

Partly on the board, partly a note

The eliminations land as marks; the unresolved ordering has to be tracked until the board settles it.

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.

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