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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 


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Comments

  1. LFWJuly 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.

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