Quick Answer
Clue: “Tech used for many of the ping-pong scenes in ‘Marty Supreme’”
Answer: CGI
Answer length: 3 letters
Clue number & direction: 5-Down
Why “CGI” Is the Right NYT Answer
- The clue points to a film-production technique rather than a brand or object; modern, fast ping-pong scenes are often enhanced with computer-generated imagery, abbreviated as CGI.
- A 3-letter tech abbreviation that fits this cinematic context and the grid length is almost always CGI, making it the natural fill.
What “CGI” Means in Plain English
- CGI stands for “computer-generated imagery,” meaning visuals created or heavily enhanced using computers instead of being filmed exactly as seen.
- In a movie’s ping-pong scene, CGI can smooth motion, control ball trajectories, and make impossible rallies look seamless.
Crossword-Specific Help and Patterns
- In a 3-letter slot with a movie/tech clue, patterns like C_G_ or _GI very often resolve to CGI, especially when special effects are mentioned.
- CGI is a staple crossword entry; it regularly appears in puzzles clued as “movie effects,” “VFX tech,” or “Pixar’s medium,” so it is worth memorizing as a frequent fill.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When a clue combines film/TV plus words like “effects,” “tech,” or “scenes,” always consider short industry abbreviations such as CGI, SFX, and VFX, then match to the letter count.
If crossings give you a C or G in a 3-letter film-tech answer, CGI should be your first guess unless the clue clearly points to sound or audio instead.
