Help
This question may seem obvious, but let me explain a bit. I know that multi caches can have several stages, but my question applies directly to certain kinds of multi caches. I've noticed that some multi caches appear to lead you to a location, where you have to solve a puzzle or fill in some blanks to find the coordinates directly to the final state cache. Isn't this exactly like a puzzle cache? Just curious to see if there was any difference in this.
Page 1 of 1
Difference between a puzzle cache and a multi
#2
Posted 28 April 2012 - 09:55 AM
To me, the distinction between a multi-cache and a mystery/puzzle cache with multiple stages is in the nature of what you need to do to get the location of the next stage.
If you're just copying information (e.g., digits of a date on a plaque), counting objects (e.g., the number of birds depicted in a public sculpture, or the number of words on a plaque), or doing simple arithmetic, then it's a multi-cache.
If you're solving a puzzle of some sort (including figuring out how the location of the next stage is indicated by whatever you find at the previous stage), then it's a mystery/puzzle cache.
If you're just copying information (e.g., digits of a date on a plaque), counting objects (e.g., the number of birds depicted in a public sculpture, or the number of words on a plaque), or doing simple arithmetic, then it's a multi-cache.
If you're solving a puzzle of some sort (including figuring out how the location of the next stage is indicated by whatever you find at the previous stage), then it's a mystery/puzzle cache.
#3
Posted 28 April 2012 - 09:55 AM
The multi where you go to a location to find numbers or some other items to solve for the final is called a virtual stage. It is used sometimes when there is a conflict with a nearby traditional cache since it does not have a proximity limit. With this multi the starting point is at the listed coordinates and you find the final coordinates by going to the stages.
With a true puzzle cache the starting coordinates are bogus. You have to solve the puzzle in order to find the final.
With a true puzzle cache the starting coordinates are bogus. You have to solve the puzzle in order to find the final.
#4
Posted 29 April 2012 - 07:43 AM
Here's a good rule of thumb 
Of course there will be exceptions, but this is a good starting point in determining the right cache type to use.
- If the cache is at the posted coords, its a traditional.
- If there is something at the posted coords (physical or virtual) that will lead the finder to the cache elsewhere, its a multi.
- If the posted coords are bogus, or nothing more than parking, its a mystery/puzzle.
Of course there will be exceptions, but this is a good starting point in determining the right cache type to use.
#5
- US Geocacher of the Year 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011
-
- Group: Moderators
- Posts: 37307
- Joined: 14-September 01
Posted 29 April 2012 - 03:56 PM
Lil Devil, on 29 April 2012 - 07:43 AM, said:
Here's a good rule of thumb
Of course there will be exceptions, but this is a good starting point in determining the right cache type to use.
- If the cache is at the posted coords, its a traditional.
- If there is something at the posted coords (physical or virtual) that will lead the finder to the cache elsewhere, its a multi.
- If the posted coords are bogus, or nothing more than parking, its a mystery/puzzle.
Of course there will be exceptions, but this is a good starting point in determining the right cache type to use.
Lil Devil has a pretty good definition. As he says, there are exceptions and sometimes a cache doesn't fit neatly into either category. But the above is a good general rule.
This post has been edited by briansnat: 29 April 2012 - 03:57 PM
Share this topic:
Page 1 of 1