What “fair” means here
A fair puzzle gives the player enough information to reach the intended answer using the rules shown on the page. Difficulty may come from the number of possible moves, an unfamiliar word pattern or a connection that takes time to notice. It should not come from an unstated rule, an arbitrary spelling change or a clue that only works after the answer is revealed.
Some word and category puzzles can permit more than one defensible interpretation. When that risk exists, the accepted answer and explanation should make the intended relationship explicit. A surprising answer can be enjoyable; an answer that depends on guessing what the setter was thinking is not.
Sudoku checks
A completed 9×9 Sudoku must contain digits 1–9 exactly once in every row, column and 3×3 box. A published puzzle should have a consistent starting grid and a valid completed solution. Difficulty labels are practical guides based on the techniques and amount of scanning likely to be needed; they are not scientific measurements and different players may experience the same grid differently.
The daily game includes progress checking, but it does not require a login. Players can also use the seven-day archive and printable Sudoku. Strategy articles explain techniques such as systematic scanning and naked pairs without claiming that puzzle play produces medical or cognitive benefits.
Word-ladder and word-tool checks
In a word ladder, each step changes one letter while keeping the remaining letters in place, and every step must be a recognised word under the puzzle’s stated convention. Proper nouns, abbreviations and highly specialised entries should not be necessary unless the puzzle says otherwise. The intended chain is checked from start to finish; if another valid chain exists, that does not make the player’s solution wrong.
The word unscrambler is a reference tool. Its results depend on the included word list, so a returned word is not a promise that every tournament, classroom or commercial word game accepts it. Players should use the official dictionary and assistance rules of the game they are playing. Fun IQ never suggests using a finder where outside help is prohibited.
Four Links and Odd One Out
A Four Links group should share a specific relationship that applies cleanly to all four entries. Before publication, likely overlapping groups are considered because an accidental alternative grouping can make a puzzle impossible even when each intended group looks reasonable in isolation. The final explanation names the relationship rather than merely revealing the four items.
An Odd One Out puzzle should state or imply a comparison frame. More than one item can often be made “odd” with enough creativity, so the explanation matters. The preferred solution is the one supported by the clearest shared property among the other items, not the most obscure fact available.
Daily generation and archive consistency
Daily puzzles are selected deterministically from reviewed puzzle data, which means the same calendar date produces the same puzzle for visitors. Archive links preserve the selected date and game. Completion history stays in the visitor’s browser unless a future account feature is explicitly chosen.
A publication schedule does not justify releasing a weak puzzle. New journal articles must add a practical technique or original explanation, disclose AI assistance when used and verify changing claims with primary sources. See the editorial policy for the full standard.
Corrections
If a clue is ambiguous, a word is missing or a puzzle appears to have conflicting answers, use the contact page. Include the puzzle name and date, but do not send passwords or other sensitive information. Corrections should improve the puzzle and its explanation rather than silently changing what an earlier player saw.
Ready to test the standard? Start with daily Sudoku, Word Ladder, Four Links or the complete Today dashboard.