Having trouble cracking today’s crossword puzzle? If the clue “Tournament rankings” is giving you a challenge, don’t worry you’re not alone. This clue recently appeared in The New York Times crossword and often leaves even experienced solvers scratching their heads. Let’s dive in and find the right answer together.
Possible answer:

Why is “SEEDS” the Correct Answer?
In the context of a crossword puzzle, the term seeds refers to the ranking system used in tournaments to determine the matchups between participants. For crossword clues related to tournaments, especially in sports, seeds are the first thing that comes to mind. This ranking system ensures that the best players or teams are distributed evenly throughout the competition bracket, minimizing the chance of them facing each other in the early rounds.
Whether you’re solving a crossword mini NYT puzzle, working on a crossword LA Times clue, or tackling a more complex puzzle in crossword USA Today, the term seeds is widely used in sports related clues. It’s a term familiar to anyone who has followed crossword and answers involving sports tournaments, making it a common and reliable answer.
Trivia and Fun Fact:
Seeding in sports tournaments, including tennis and basketball, is an essential practice that dates back to the early 20th century. The system ensures that the top ranked players don’t meet in the early rounds, giving them a better chance to advance. Today, seeding is a term you’ll often encounter in crossword puzzles, especially those in major publications like the New York Times crossword. It’s used not only in sports but also in competitive scenarios, making it a popular clue in many puzzles.
Solving Tip for Similar Clues:
When you come across crossword clues related to rankings, think of terms like seeds, placement, or positions. These are often used to describe how participants are arranged in crossword puzzle clues focused on competitions. For example, if you see a clue like “Tournament rankings,” you can quickly lean toward terms like seeds or ranking. And if you’re stuck, you can always use a crossword solver to check your answers.
If you’re solving a crossword new york times puzzle, the answer seeds may come up frequently in tournament based clues, so having this term in mind can be a helpful shortcut. And don’t forget to check crossword LA Times or crossword USA Today for similar clues seeds show up there too.
Disclaimer:
We are not affiliated with The New York Times. This content is intended to help crossword lovers find accurate answers quickly. All clue references are for educational and entertainment purposes only.