I got 5/6 in the TongueTied Challenge

That was our invitation to players this week: Take part in the first TongueTied Challenge by scrambling to unscramble the same word in all TongueTied languages. The task was timed in two senses. You had 60 seconds to finish it – a one-shot deal – and it was only live for a few days, from Wednesday to Monday. By close of play, the leaderboard was packed with extremely speedy solvers, led by “DeliciousCheeseForMe,” who completed the Challenge in 23.1 seconds.

As you can see, we've been experimenting with new game formats that find novel ways of bringing together words, languages, cultures, and a little friendly competition. Many of you like the leisurely pace at which the original TongueTied game often unfolds, but others have told us they crave the adrenaline hit that timed trials can provide. Fast mode is one of our responses, and these Challenges another. We'll offer more Scrambles in the coming weeks, as well as a few other formats, and we'd love your feedback on any or all.

In the meantime, for those interested (or who have already played), savor your successes, lick your wounds, limber up on the TongueTied board, and watch this space …