Answers, without the fine print
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about playing, scoring, saved progress, and how answers are reviewed. For a visual walkthrough, start with How to Play.
Playing the grid
What makes an answer correct?
A correct answer must match both the row clue and the column clue for the selected square. It also has to be included in that puzzle’s reviewed answer set.
Do I get nine guesses or nine correct answers?
You get nine total submissions. Correct and incorrect submissions both use a guess, so an immaculate 9/9 board requires every guess to be correct.
Can I use the same answer twice?
No. Once an answer correctly fills one square, it cannot be reused elsewhere in the same game.
Scores & stats
What does the rarity percentage mean?
It is a preset game rating for an answer’s estimated familiarity. Lower percentages mean more obscure answers. These editorial scores are not measured population percentages or live player pick rates.
Does rarity change as more people play?
No. Every accepted answer has a configured rating from the first correct guess. The value is frozen when a grid is published, so more players, reloading, and practice cannot change your original score.
How does the daily leaderboard work?
Finish today’s grid with at least one correct square to enter automatically. More correct squares rank first, then lower rarity totals. Shorter elapsed time breaks ties when correct counts and rarity scores match. Timing starts on your first square selection and continues through pauses and reloads. Exact ties across all three share a rank. Rankings use three decimal places. Standings close at midnight US Eastern, including daylight saving changes; archive replays and practice cannot change them.
Can I change my leaderboard name?
Yes. Use Edit nickname to choose a public name or restore your automatic anonymous name. Your name updates on current and historical standings. One browser identity gets one result each day; clearing browser storage or using another browser creates a new identity.
Where are My Stats stored?
Played games, perfect grids, and your current streak are stored in this browser. They are not tied to an account and do not automatically move to another device.
Archive & data
When does the daily grid change?
The current puzzle changes at midnight US Eastern (America/New_York, adjusting for daylight saving time) each day. Past published grids remain playable in the archive.
Can I replay an older puzzle?
Yes. Open the archive to choose a previously published date and theme. Today’s grid always lives on the homepage.
Do I need an account?
No account is required. An anonymous browser identifier restores today’s progress and helps the server prevent duplicate scored submissions.
What if a valid answer is missing?
Answer decisions come from the reviewed answer snapshot saved for that puzzle. If you think a relationship is missing or incorrect, email support@lifeimmaculategrid.com with the date, square, and answer.