Lead-in

A leadin or lead-in is the first clue of a tossup. Per the rules of pyramidality, it is the most difficult clue to buzz off of in a tossup. Leadins must abide by all of the rules for good clues, and when writing leadins, writers should take especial care to avoid stock clues and vague clues.

Leadin etiquette

Leadins often contain information that is more tangentially related to the subject at hand. Examples include literary criticism, opinions of historians, or literature about works of art.

Pop culture in leadins

Though tangential academic information is generally acceptable in leadins to academic tossups, pop culture clues should never be used for leadins.

Bonus leadins

The term "leadin" can sometimes also refer to the clue(s) at the beginning of a bonus, located before the phrase "for 10 points each." Writers often use bonus leadins to introduce interesting or little-known facts about the first bonus answerline. In an oft-criticized practice, some writers insert (usually terrible) jokes or other funn content into their bonus leadins.