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Advanced clue

This item does not hold the highest value

Also known in the clue library as Negative superlative (not highest).

superlative-max-false
Clue pattern
The subject does not have the maximum value in its category.
What to mark first
Eliminate only the single maximum value as a candidate for this item.
Common mistake
Over-eliminating — this clue rules out one value, not several.
Mini-example
Mina did not have the highest score.
Print-book tip
Mark the single ruled-out maximum value clearly so you do not accidentally eliminate more.

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?

Settles on first read

This rules out exactly one value, and only one. Read once, done.

Marks the board directly

A single no-mark, placed immediately.

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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