Understanding the Touchdown Points Crossword Clue
A touchdown is worth six points in American football, making this crossword clue straightforward once you understand the abbreviation being sought. The answer to "A touchdown is worth six: Abbr" is PTS (points).
This common crossword puzzle clue appears frequently in major publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today crosswords. The clue combines sports knowledge with abbreviation recognition, making it accessible to both football fans and general puzzle solvers.
Football Scoring System and Point Values
A touchdown represents the highest-scoring single play in American football, worth exactly six points when a player crosses the goal line with possession of the ball. Understanding football point values helps solve related crossword clues:
- Touchdown: 6 points (plus optional extra point attempt)
- Field Goal: 3 points
- Safety: 2 points
- Extra Point: 1 point (after touchdown)
- Two-Point Conversion: 2 points (alternative to extra point)
Educational Value: American Football Basics
A touchdown occurs when a player carries the ball across the opponent's goal line or catches a pass in the end zone. The six-point value has remained constant throughout modern football history, establishing this scoring system as fundamental knowledge for sports fans and crossword enthusiasts alike.
The six-point touchdown value was established in 1912, replacing the previous five-point system. This change standardized scoring and created the point structure modern crossword clues reference today.
A touchdown is worth six: Abbr. NYT Mini - FAQs
Q: Are there other acceptable answers for this clue?
"PTS" is the standard and most widely accepted answer, though some puzzles might accept "SIX" depending on grid constraints.
Q: Do touchdown points vary in different football leagues?
No, both college and professional football maintain the six-point touchdown value, making this a universal answer.
Q: How often does this clue appear in crosswords?
Sports scoring clues appear regularly in major publications, typically several times per year across different puzzle series.
