Every answer must fit two clues
A cell sits at the intersection of one row category and one column category. A valid answer must satisfy both. For example, if the row asks for a coastal city and the column asks for a national capital, a landlocked capital fails even though it matches one side.
A non-spoiler sample cell
Suppose a practice cell crosses ‘Southern Hemisphere’ with ‘Hosted a major world sporting event.’ You need one city that satisfies both statements, not one answer for each. The live daily categories are different, so the example teaches the logic without giving away today's board.
How rarity scoring works
Nine correct cities complete the board, but the obvious answers are not always the best. Each valid city receives a fame-based rarity value; lesser-known answers score lower than famous ones. Your total is the sum of all nine cells, so the best grid is both correct and unusually well chosen.
CityQ, GeoGrid, and generic map grids
CityQ uses the familiar row-meets-column grid format at city scale. GeoGrid commonly centers country answers, while map grids may ask you to click locations. CityQ is a naming game: type a city, satisfy two geography categories, and optimize for rarity without a timer.