View source for Countdown:Recap checking style guide

This page is an attempt to help with the task of recap checking.  It is written in three sections.  First, an illustration and description of a complete recap.  Second, definitions of the templates.  And third, a set of suggestions as to how such a recap can be produced.

==Illustration and Description==

Here's an example of a recap of a fictitious cut-down game, with one example of each type of round.

{{Rounds-start|Nick Clegg|David Cameron}}
<!-- Don't include the |cat=no, it's only for these examples -->
{{R-letters| 1|NTSOIEZNV|INVEST   |VENTS  |INTONES, INVENTS*, TENSION*, TENZONS*, VENISON|6|0|7|cat=no}}
{{R-numbers| 2|100|7|4|1|3|2| 623
|627|sol1=100 × 3 × 2 + 7 × 4 × 1
|615
|cv=624|other=623|solother=(100 + 4) × 3 × 2 - 1
|13|0|17}}
{{R-TTT       |GINBIDET |Taking what's yours, by all accounts.|DEBITING}}
{{R-conundrum|3|FIESTATED|c1sol=fitseated {{X}}|c1time=13|c2sol=DEFEATIST|c2time=29|13|10|27}}
{{Rounds-end}}

The column headings are fixed, and pretty self-explanatory.  

The '''Rnd''' column contains the round number, normally 1 to 15, with the tea-time teaser shown as TTT, as it is not actually part of the competition.

The '''Selection''' column contains the selected letters for each round or the numbers together with the target.

The third column heading is the name of the contestant sitting closer to dictionary corner, and the column contains that contestant's offerings.

The '''Score''' column contains the cumulative score of the two contestants.

The fifth column heading is the name of the contestant sitting closer to programme presenter, and the column contains that contestant's offerings.

The '''Others''' column contains answers not offered by the contestants.

The '''Max.''' column contains the cumulative score that would have been achieved by the "perfect contestant".

Now to look at each of the four types of round in more detail.

===Letters rounds===

In the '''Selection''' column, the letters are given in the order chosen and displayed.

Under the contestants' names, if a contestant gives an incorrect solution because they've given a word not in the dictionary or they've used a letter which isn't in the selection, then the word is given in a smaller font, and is followed by a cross.  If a contestant gives a valid word, but declares the wrong word length, then the '''misdeclared''' template is used:
<pre>{{misdeclared|WORD|DECLARED_LENGTH}}</pre>
Both are illustrated here, Nick Clegg not realising that there was only one D in the selection, and David Cameron thinking that {{word|TOTAL}} had only four letters.
{{Rounds-start|Nick Clegg|David Cameron}}
{{R-letters| 1|DLONATGIT|adding {{X}} | {{misdeclared|total|4}} |DOTTING, LOADING*, LOTTING|0|0|7|cat=no}}
{{Rounds-end}}
If words are found which equal or better those given by the contestants, they are listed in alphabetical order in the '''Others''' column.  Only the longest words found are listed, and an asterisk is appended to any word which was not offered during the programme, by [[Dictionary Corner]] or by anyone else.  In the above example, DOTTING and LOTTING were offered by dictionary corner, and the recap writer discovered LOADING.  Dictionary Corner also came up with GLOAT, but that is not listed because longer words were found.

If a contestant fails to offer any word at all, then a dash is given.  For example:
{{Rounds-start|Nick Clegg|David Cameron}}
{{R-letters| 1|DLONATGIT|adding {{X}} |&mdash;|DOTTING, LOADING*, LOTTING|0|0|7|cat=no}}
{{Rounds-end}}

===Numbers rounds===

In the '''Selection''' column, the numbers are given in the order displayed, followed by an arrow, and then the target number.

In the contestants' columns, a winning offering is shown as the number offered, with the method of solution shown below.  An offering which is beaten by the other contestant is simply shown as the number offered.  If a total is offered, but the contestant then fails to produce it, the number is shown followed by a cross.  If the contestant fails to make a declaration, then a dash is shown.  These are illustrated here:
{{Rounds-start|Nick Clegg|David Cameron}}
{{R-numbers| 5|100|7|4|1|3|2| 623
|627|sol1=100 × 3 × 2 + 7 × 4 − 1
|615
|19|0|49}}
{{R-numbers|10|100|9|6|2|5|1| 938 
|938 {{x}}
|—
|26|0|85}}
{{Rounds-end}}

The '''Others''' column only contains entries if a winning contestant's score in that numbers round can be bettered, and there are four different possibilities.
# Carol gets better than the contestants, shows her method, and it's impossible to beat Carol.
# Carol gets better than the contestants and doesn't show her method, but it's impossible to beat Carol.
# Carol gets better than the contestants, but she herself can be beaten.
# Carol can't beat the contestants, but Jono can!
These are illustrated below in rounds 1, 2, 3, 4 respectively.
{{Rounds-start|Nick Clegg|David Cameron}}
{{R-numbers|1|100|7|4|1|3|2| 623
|627|sol1=100 × 3 × 2 + 7 × 4 − 1
|615
|cv=623|solcv=(100 + 4) × 3 × 2 − 1
|7|0|10}}
{{R-numbers|2|100|50|25|75|1|7| 394 
|394 {{X}}
|&mdash;
|cv=393|other=393|solother=(75 − 25 − 1) × 7 + 50
|7|0|17}}
{{R-numbers|3|100|7|4|1|3|2| 623
|627|sol1=100 × 3 × 2 + 7 × 4 − 1
|615
|cv=624|other=623|solother=(100 + 4) × 3 × 2 − 1
|14|0|27}}
{{R-numbers|4|100|1|9|6|2|5| 938 
|933|sol1=100 × 9 + 6 × 5 + 2 + 1
|&mdash;
|other=938|solother=(100 + 5) × 9 − 6 − 1
|21|0|37}}
{{Rounds-end}}
When giving solutions, either in the contestants' columns or in the '''Others''' column, the following are guidelines, but not obligatory.
* Use + for addition.  
* Use either - or '''&amp;minus;''' for subtraction.
* Use either x or '''&amp;times;''' for multiplication.
* Use either / or '''&amp;divide;''' for division.
* Use brackets only when necessary. e.g. ((50 × 3) + 4) × 5 is better written as (50 × 3 + 4) × 5.  The brackets around the addition are necessary, but those around the multiplication are not.
* For contestants' solutions and those given by Carol or Rachel, show the solution as given.
* For other solutions, with a string of additions and subtractions, put the additions first, and remove brackets if possible. e.g. 100 − (50 − (25 − 1)) is better written as 100 + 25 − 50 − 1
* For other solutions, with a string of multiplications and divisions, put the multiplications first, and remove brackets if possible. e.g 100 ÷ (8 ÷ 2) is better written as 100 × 2 ÷ 8
* To improve readability, it is suggested that each of the four arithmetic symbols has a space on either side, but there should be no other spaces in any numbers solution.

===Tea-time Teasers===

The only entries required here are:
* under '''Selection''', the scrambled word
* under the central three columns, the clue as given by the programme presenter
* under '''Other''', the solution
No scores are given, as this is not part of the contest.

===Conundrums===

In the '''Selection''' comment, the nine letters are given, in the order displayed.

A contestant's response is given in the contestant's own column, and beneath it is given the time that elapsed before the buzzer sounded.  If the response is wrong, then it is given in a smaller typeface, and is followed by a cross.

If neither contestant gets the solution, the solution is given in the '''Other''' column.

If a candidate doesn't offer a solution, then the space in the candidate's column is left blank.

In the special case of a tie-break conundrum, there are just two differences.  "TB" is entered in the "Rnd" column, and the score in the '''Max.''' column is '''not''' increased beyond the score as given in the previous round.  This is because is would be impossible for either of the contestants to have scored any more than the maximum score as given in the first conundrum round.

These situations are all illustrated here: 
{{Rounds-start|Nick Clegg|David Cameron}}
{{R-conundrum|15|GIVENPRAM|c2sol=amperving {{X}}|c2time=2|sol=REVAMPING|35|35|135}}
{{R-conundrum|TB|FIESTATED|c1sol=fitseated {{X}}|c1time=13|c2sol=DEFEATIST|c2time=29|35|45|135}}
{{Rounds-end}}

==Template Definitions==

The recap is produced using an overall template, within which there a number of individual templates, one for each round.

===Overall template===

This takes the form:

<pre><nowiki>{{Rounds-start|aaa|bbb}}</nowiki></pre>
individual-template ...
<pre><nowiki>{{Rounds-end}}</nowiki></pre>

*'''aaa''' is the name of contestant one
*'''bbb''' is the name of contestant two

There are four types of individual templates

*letters template
*numbers template
*conundrum template
*tea-time teaser template

===Letters template===

There are two version of the letters template, taking the forms:

<pre><nowiki>{{R-letters|nn|aaa|bbb|ccc|ddd|xx|yy|zz}}</nowiki></pre>
and
<pre><nowiki>{{Rx-letters|nn|aaa|bbb|ccc|ddd|xx|yy|zz}}</nowiki></pre>

The only difference between them is that the R-letters version should be used in recaps for programmes which have been broadcast, while the Rx-letters version should be used for recaps of any other games. This is because the R-letters template has the side effect of producing a category which is only applicable to broadcast programmes.  (This is all despite the fact that R-letters includes a parameter to suppress the category.)

*'''nn''' is the round number
*'''aaa''' is the list of letters (upper case, with no spaces)
*'''bbb''' is contestant one's offering 
*'''ccc''' is contestant two's offering
*'''ddd''' is the contents of the '''Others''' entry (each word in upper case, with no spaces - see definition section, above, for details)
*'''xx''' is contestant one's cumulative score
*'''yy''' is contestant two's cumulative score
*'''zz''' is the cumulative maximum possible score

Parameters '''bbb''' and '''ccc''' are provided in upper case, with no spaces, provided the offering is a valid one, whether or not it wins.  If the offering is invalid, it is written in lower case, and followed by a cross, and, if necessary, a superscripted suffix.  The cross is formed using either the ☓ character (copying and pasting it from another location), or by typing '''&amp;#x2613;''', or better still using the new template '''<nowiki>{{X}}</nowiki>'''.  A superscripted suffix is formed by typing '''<nowiki><sup>n</sup></nowiki>''', where '''n''' is the suffix.  An improved way of showing misdeclarations is to use the template '''<nowiki>{{misdeclared|word|5}}</nowiki>''', which is displayed as {{misdeclared|word|5}}, the 5 indicating that although the word was otherwise correct, it had been declared with the wrong length of 5.

If a contestant makes no offering, then the appropriate parameter, '''aaa''' or '''bbb''', is a dash, formed by typing '''&amp;mdash;'''.

===Numbers template===

This takes the form:

<pre>{{R-numbers|nn|a|b|c|d|e|f|ggg
|hhh|sol1=iii
|jjj|sol2=kkk
|cv=mmm|solcv=ppp
|rr=mmm|solrr=ppp
|other=qqq|solother=rrr
|xx|yy|zz}}</pre>

*'''nn''', '''xx''', '''yy''', '''zz''' are the round number and the scores, as in the letters template
*'''a''', '''b''', '''c''', '''d''', '''e''', '''f''' are the six numbers in the order displayed
*'''ggg''' is the target
*'''hhh''' is contestant one's declaration
*'''iii''' is contestant one's method. This is omitted if the contestant was not asked for a solution, or made a mistake.
*'''jjj''' is contestant two's declaration
*'''kkk''' is contestant two's method. This is omitted if the contestant was not asked for a solution, or made a mistake.

If a contestant declares nothing at all, then the '''hhh''' (or '''jjj''') is a dash, entered as '''&amp;mdash;'''

Optional parameters, given only if relevant:
*'''mmm''' is Carol's or Rachel's declaration, if any.
*'''ppp''' is Carol's or Rachel's method
*'''qqq''' is the best possible declaration, if not found by Carol/Rachel or the contestants.
*'''rrr''' is corresponding best method.
In all cases, if a parameter is omitted, then so is its preceding '''|'''.

If the winning contestant(s) in the round cannot be beaten, then the fourth, fifth and sixth lines of the template are omitted.

The fourth and fifth lines of the template are alternatives, depending upon whether it is one of Carol's or one of Rachel's shows.

If Carol/Rachel gets better than the contestants, shows her method, and cannot herself be beaten, then the '''other''' and '''solother''' parameters are omitted.

If Carol/Rachel gets better than the contestants, doesn't show her method, and cannot herself be beaten, then the '''solcv'''/'''solrr''' parameter is omitted, and '''qqq''' is a repeat of '''mmm'''.

In entering a method of solution, '''iii''', '''kkk''', '''ppp''' or '''rrr''', the following apply:
*A single arithmetic expression is given, using numbers, the four basic arithmetic operators, and brackets
*Brackets are always entered using the '''(''' and ''')''' characters, no matter how deep the nesting
*Addition and subtraction use the obvious + and - symbols.
*Multiplication uses x.
*Division uses /.
The symbols may be replaced with the correct symbols (+, &minus;, &times; and &divide;) but these are awkward to enter manually. The conversion will be performed automatically in the future.

====Example====
An example from [[Episode 3942]]:<pre>{{R-numbers| 5|3|8|10|100|50|75| 423
|413
|430|sol2=50 &times; 8 + 10 &times; 3
|cv=423|solcv=3 &times; 100 + 75 + 50 &minus; 10 + 8
|28|26|41}}</pre>
produces:
{{Rounds-start}}
{{R-numbers| 5|3|8|10|100|50|75| 423
|413
|430|sol2=50 &times; 8 + 10 &times; 3
|cv=423|solcv=3 &times; 100 + 75 + 50 &minus; 10 + 8
|28|26|41}}
{{Rounds-end}}

===Conundrum template===

This takes the form:

<pre><nowiki>{{R-conundrum|nn|aaa|c1sol=bbb|c1time=cc|c2sol=ddd|c2time=ee|sol=fff|xx|yy|zz}}</nowiki></pre>

*'''nn''' is the round number for the first conundrum, and '''TB''' for any tie-break conundrum
*'''aaa''' is the string of letters to be unscrambled, upper case with no spaces
*'''bbb''' is contestant one's offering
*'''cc''' is contestant one's time in seconds
*'''ddd''' is contestant two's offering
*'''ee''' is contestant two's time in seconds
*'''fff''' is the solution
*'''xx''', '''yy''', '''zz''' are the scores, as in the letters template

If a candidate misdeclares, then '''bbb''' (or '''ddd''') is entered in lower case, and is followed by {{X}}.

If a candidate does not declare, then the '''c1sol''' and '''c1time''' (or '''c2sol''' and '''c2time''') parameters are omitted.

If one of the candidates offers a correct solution, then the sol parameter is omitted.

If any parameter is omitted, then so is its preceding '''|'''.

===Tea-Time Teaser template===

This takes the form

<pre><nowiki>{{R-TTT|aaa|bbb|ccc}}</nowiki></pre>

*'''aaa''' is the set of letters to be unscrambled, upper case and no spaces
*'''bbb''' is the clue
*'''ccc''' is the answer

It is recommended that the clue ends with whatever punctuation mark is appropriate - e.g., a question mark, exclamation mark, or full stop.

== Categories ==
There are a number of categories in the wiki for applying to recaps.  The following should be applied to all recaps:
* &#91;&#91;Category:Episodes in Series ''number''&#93;&#93;
* &#91;&#91;Category:''number''-round games&#93;&#93;
* &#91;&#91;Category:Episodes presented by ''whoever''&#93;&#93;
* &#91;&#91;Category:Episodes with ''whoever'' as arithmetician&#93;&#93;
* &#91;&#91;Category:Episodes with ''whoever'' as lexicographer&#93;&#93; — if the information is present
* &#91;&#91;Category:Episodes with ''whoever'' as a guest&#93;&#93; — if the information is present
and the following where applicable:
* &#91;&#91;Category:Partial recaps&#93;&#93; — usually applied by Dumper, but can also be applied after checking if some game data is missing
* &#91;&#91;Category:Recaps with missing or incomplete Teatime Teasers&#93;&#93; — for 15-round games only, if TTT anagram, clue and solution aren't all there

==Suggestions and Tips==
Producing a recap in the Countdown Wiki is a two stage process.  Firstly running the recap dumper, and secondly manually editing the output of the dumper.

===Recap dumper===
The dumper is run by a sysop here, and attempts to convert the original recap (from the Countdown Corral) into the Countdown Wiki format automatically.  An additional template is added before the recap, depending on the success of the dumper's conversion process:
*<nowiki>{{Rounds-to-check|nnn}}</nowiki> if it believes all rounds were interpreted successfully.
*<nowiki>{{Rounds-partial|nnn}}</nowiki> if it knows that some rounds are missing.
*<nowiki>{{Rounds-blank|nnn}}</nowiki> if it none of the rounds could be converted.

Each of these causes an explanatory message to be displayed, saying that the manual editing is still required, and most importantly, provides a link to the recap in the Countdown Corral.

===Manual editing===
In the second stage, a human must check the original Corral recap (as linked to) against the version on the wiki, correcting mistakes and adding missing rounds.  There are, of course many ways of doing this.  Each person has his/her own preference; what follows is just one suggestion.

#First ensure that a template is present for each round.  If any are missing, copy and paste an appropriate one, from another completed recap if necessary.
#After this stage, and again after any further editing, it's advisable to use the '''Show preview''' facility to check the output.
#Edit the tea-time teasers as necessary.  This stage is always required, as the dumper (currently) never picks up the clue correctly.
#Check and, if necessary, edit the numbers rounds.  This is probably the most awkward of the tasks due to the complexity of the template, and the large number of different options.
#Check and, if necessary, edit the conundrum round, including the tie-break if applicable.
#Check and, if necessary, edit the contenstants' declarations in the letters rounds  
#Check that all of the offerings in the '''Others''' column for the letters rounds really are in the appropriate dictionary, and that asterisks are not included for words offered during the programme.
#Check and, if necessary, edit the contestants' cumulative scores in each round.
#Check and, if necessary, edit the maximum score in each round.
#Check that all applicable [[#Categories|categories]] are set.
#When all is done, and you are completely happy with the outcome, delete the additional template inserted by the dumper to indicate that manual editing is required, put a brief comment in the '''Summary''' box, and press '''Save page'''.

If you have any problems at all, don't worry.  If the problem can be described briefly, explain it in the '''Summary''' box, and press '''Save page''', but don't erase the additional template indicating that manual editing is required.  Alternatively, if the problem takes a little more explaining, put it in the '''Discussion''' section for the appropriate episode, and again save the work without clearing the manual editing template.  If you have a general comment, then make it here on this page, in the '''Discussion''' section.  Whichever way, someone will quickly see it and answer the problem.

== Finals Progress Template==

===Normal Finals progress===

Example:

{{finals progress
| 1 = [[Richard Whiteley]]  | q1w = 1 | s1w = 1
| 8 = [[Des Lynam]]
| 5 = [[Des O'Connor]]
| 4 = [[Jeff Stelling]]     | q4w = 4
| 3 = [[Kathy Hytner]]      | q3w = 3 | s2w = 3 | fw = 3
| 6 = [[Beverly Isherwood]]
| 7 = [[Carol Vorderman]]
| 2 = [[Linda Barrett]]     | q2w = 2 
}}

You do this by typing:

<pre>{{finals progress
| 1 = [[Richard Whiteley]]  | q1w = 1 | s1w = 1
| 8 = [[Des Lynam]]
| 5 = [[Des O'Connor]]
| 4 = [[Jeff Stelling]]     | q4w = 4
| 3 = [[Kathy Hytner]]      | q3w = 3 | s2w = 3 | fw = 3
| 6 = [[Beverly Isherwood]]
| 7 = [[Carol Vorderman]]
| 2 = [[Linda Barrett]]     | q2w = 2 
}}</pre>

===16-contestant COCS===

Taken from [[COC13]]:

{{CoC progress
|  1 = [[David O'Donnell]] | h1w =  1
|  2 = [[James Hurrell]]
|  3 = [[Steve Briers]]    | h2w =  3 | q1w =  3 | s1w =  3 | fw = 3
|  4 = [[Debbi Flack]]
|  5 = [[Richard Priest]]
|  6 = [[Kai Laddiman]]    | h3w =  6
|  7 = [[Nick Wainwright]] | h4w =  7 | q2w =  7
|  8 = [[Steve Baines]]
|  9 = [[Junaid Mubeen]]   | h5w =  9
| 10 = [[Tony Warren]]
| 11 = [[Charlie Reams]]   | h6w = 11 | q3w = 11 | s2w = 11
| 12 = [[Peter Davies]]
| 13 = [[Richard Brittain]]
| 14 = [[Jon Corby]]       | h7w = 14 | q4w = 14
| 15 = [[Anita Freeland]]
| 16 = [[Jonathan Coles]]  | h8w = 16
}}

So type:

<pre>{{CoC progress
|  1 = [[David O'Donnell]] | h1w =  1
|  2 = [[James Hurrell]]
|  3 = [[Steve Briers]]    | h2w =  3 | q1w =  3 | s1w =  3 | fw = 3
|  4 = [[Debbi Flack]]
|  5 = [[Richard Priest]]
|  6 = [[Kai Laddiman]]    | h3w =  6
|  7 = [[Nick Wainwright]] | h4w =  7 | q2w =  7
|  8 = [[Steve Baines]]
|  9 = [[Junaid Mubeen]]   | h5w =  9
| 10 = [[Tony Warren]]
| 11 = [[Charlie Reams]]   | h6w = 11 | q3w = 11 | s2w = 11
| 12 = [[Peter Davies]]
| 13 = [[Richard Brittain]]
| 14 = [[Jon Corby]]       | h7w = 14 | q4w = 14
| 15 = [[Anita Freeland]]
| 16 = [[Jonathan Coles]]  | h8w = 16
}}</pre>

===8-contestant COCS===

Taken from [[COC8]]:

{{CoC8 progress
| 1 = [[Alan Sinclair]]
| 2 = [[Chris Rogers]]     | q1w = 2 | s1w = 2 | fw = 2
| 3 = [[David Acton]]      | q2w = 3
| 4 = [[Dennis Fearon]]
| 5 = [[Chris Colsmann]]
| 6 = [[Kenneth Michie]]   | q3w = 6 | s2w = 6
| 7 = [[Darren Shacklady]] | q4w = 7
| 8 = [[Satbir Gupta]]
}}

Acheived by typing:

<pre>{{CoC8 progress
| 1 = [[Alan Sinclair]]
| 2 = [[Chris Rogers]]     | q1w = 2 | s1w = 2 | fw = 2
| 3 = [[David Acton]]      | q2w = 3
| 4 = [[Dennis Fearon]]
| 5 = [[Chris Colsmann]]
| 6 = [[Kenneth Michie]]   | q3w = 6 | s2w = 6
| 7 = [[Darren Shacklady]] | q4w = 7
| 8 = [[Satbir Gupta]]
}}</pre>

Good luck.

[[Category:Countdown:Maintenance|Recap checking style guide]]