Back then, we used a Java applet which listed out clue numbers for both directions. Finalists would choose a clue number for a direction and we would unveil only that particular clue (screenshot).

Incident 2005

English Crossword Finals - Round 1

The Cross Talkers : Rajat & Venu

Table Manners

• All clues are on the buzzer.
• The clue to be shown will be decided by the team which gives the correct answer to the previous clue (the first clue will be decided by us).
• Teams can buzz within 3 minutes of a clue being chosen and displayed.
• ONCE A TEAM BUZZES, IT MUST GIVE THE ANSWER IMMEDIATELY (no waiting games here).
• The teams will get their turns in the order in which they buzzed. The first team that gives the correct answer will get +10. Wrong answers will get -5. If it’s still unanswered, WE WON'T TELL YOU THE ANSWER. If you crack the clue later, you will have to keep it to yourself, and not let anybody else know (you can use this clue to solve nearby clues). The answers to unanswered clues (if any) will be given out at the end of the round.
• If no team answers a clue, then we get to choose the next clue.
• The last 3 clues go to the audience.
• A team can choose to go for a clue without actually looking at the clue. The team must stake its claim in the interval between a team choosing a clue and the display of the clue. +15 if you get it right , -10 if you are wrong.

Main Course

The solved grid can be found here