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Cross-clue technique · Intermediate

Comparative Chaining

Linking several comparative clues together into one ordered chain, so each new link tightens both ends.

Why it works

Comparatives about the same category combine. Once three or four are chained, the boundaries at each end of the order are far tighter than any one comparative gives alone.

Trigger

Two or more comparative clues that share an item, in the same ordered category.

Common mistake

Treating each comparative clue as a separate, standalone fact instead of building them into a single ordered chain.

Example

Mina finished after Theo, and Theo finished after Rae, chains into Rae, then Theo, then Mina — tighter than either clue alone.

Put it to work

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