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14 round format (old)
The 14-round format is the arrangement of letters, numbers and conundrum rounds used for grand finals of series and Championships of Champions between Series 2 and Series 45. Described by fans as "LLNLLNCLLNLLNC", the format was also used for two special games celebrating Countdown's 1000th and 1500th episodes.
Episodes played to this format normally lasted for 45 minutes, including one advertising break after the first conundrum (round 7), though the 1500th episode special was extended to 50 minutes. The additional numbers rounds and conundrums arguably added an air of chance to the final, as there was a greater emphasis on numbers and conundrum skill than in a normal game. The last 14-round game broadcast was the grand final of Series 45, with John Rawnsley being the last-ever 14-round winner.
Episode C10, the second in the 2019 Celebrity Countdown revival series, had a set of rounds with the same overall composition as those used in the 14-round format, though their order was rearranged to LNCLLNLLNLLLNC.
Rounds
| Rnd | Selection | Champion (C1) | Score | Challenger (C2) | Others | Max. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C1LETTERS | – | ||||
| 2 | C2LETTERS | – | ||||
| 3 | C 2 NUMBERS → | – |
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| 4 | C1LETTERS | – | ||||
| 5 | C2LETTERS | – | ||||
| 6 | C 1 NUMBERS → | – |
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| 7 | CONUNDRUM | – | ||||
| 8 | C2LETTERS | – | ||||
| 9 | C1LETTERS | – | ||||
| 10 | C 1 NUMBERS → | – |
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| 11 | C2LETTERS | – | ||||
| 12 | C1LETTERS | – | ||||
| 13 | C 2 NUMBERS → | – |
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| 14 | CONUNDRUM | – |
| Chosen by champion | Chosen by challenger | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letters rounds | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Numbers rounds | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Conundrums | 2 |
