Skip to main content

Puzzle #42: Cryptic!

 Hoo boy, here we go!


If you don't know what a cryptic puzzle, I recommend watching the video and reading the explanation from the New Yorker. Things work a little differently in cryptics, but ultimately it's still about that same love of wordplay and clue-solving that we love about American-style crosswords. 

The New Yorker's new cryptic puzzle is a great place to start--here are a few more: Joeadultman's "Cryptic 101" puzzles, which each only use a certain cryptic device, and Steve Mossberg's Quiptic series, which can be solved in a "Helpers" version. 

A huge thanks to Steve and k0rmad, who went above and beyond in helping me create my first cryptic puzzle--a very intensive and time-consuming feedback process which I'm super grateful for! 

 I've already rambled on too much. Go give the puzzle a try! 

Mmm, blueberry scone


 

 .puz

PDF 

Solution 


Labels:

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 30, 2021 at 9:10 AM

    Nice job constructing this! Some clever/funny clues & references - esp loved "Not in St Basil's" and "terrible party". Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DannozAugust 2, 2021 at 2:25 PM

    13 A was my favorite clue! 21 was the at to fall. Nice puzzle for the first time. Even for a second one. Definitely Games-worthy. (20 minutes, 39 seconds). Looking forward to your next one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. KyleAugust 15, 2021 at 11:48 AM

    Nice puzzle, good surfaces at 21A and 23. I paused a moment at 8 since I don't pronounce the two words in question as homophones (for me the Montreal team has an accent on the first syllable, the entry on the second). Learned something new about the musical meaning of 29. Thanks, look forward to solving more.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Puzzle #100: We Want A Pitcher (with Brian Thomas)

 Hi friends, 100 puzzles! Wow. That's pretty crazy. If you've solved even one along the way--THANK YOU. There are too many of you to thank but I'm so grateful to everyone who has solved a puzzle, made a puzzle with me, and even just talked about puzzles with me.   This week's offering is a themeless puzzle with Brian Thomas that's chock full of fun indie vibes. Go solve Brian's other puzzles too! I'm also very excited to be able to share an essay of mine that Daily Crossword Links has been kind enough to host, titled "No Scrubs" . It's a philosophy of solving crosswords that I hope will be beneficial to new solvers and competitive solvers alike. .puz PDF   Solution (If OneLook prompts a log-in, try opening in a private window) Mmm, gooey butter cake
1 comment
Read more

Puzzle #101: Code Words (with Alex Boisvert)

 Hi friends, Got a themed collab with Alex Boisvert this week, coming at you in an oversized grid! Alex is the wizard behind Crossword Nexus and the AVCX solving interface .   It was so great to see so many good friends at Lollapuzzoola last weekend. Tickets are still available for the Midwest Crossword Tournament , both in person and online, so I highly recommend getting one! I'll see you there. Mmm, white chocolate cherry cookies .jpz .puz   PDF   Solution Created by Wil Eisenberg and Alex Boisvert using crossword creator by Amuse Labs
Post a Comment
Read more

Puzzle #99: Below Deck

 Hi friends, Back this week with a themed midi. I constructed this puzzle on Twitch  as a way to demo the construction software Ingrid . Spoilers for this puzzle in that video, obviously! Ingrid is fantastic, and continues to be my go-to software for construction--and it's free!  Ingrid also has quite a few features that have been added since I made that video, especially a tool to add and change word scores. If you have an interest in construction, go check it out. And thanks to those who hung out on the Twitch stream. Their ideas helped shape this puzzle, including the title, which I believe was suggested by Dan . Go solve Dan's great puzzles, and congrats to Dan on his incredible 3rd place in the Mountain division at Westwords.  Thanks to Norah for help in testing this one.  .puz PDF   Solution   Mmm, pepperoni pizza  
Post a Comment
Read more