Words: 66
Average Length: 5.67
I’m calling the cluing of this one “treeky” – a combination of tricky and cheeky. Actually, it’s probably more cheeky than tricky, so maybe it’s “chicky.” Either way, I hope it’s enjoyable. I’ll post the next puzzle on Monday, Nov. 13. It’s a super-size (17×17) grid called “Place Names.”
Words: 68
Average Length: 5.68
A terrific constructor, Tim Croce (club72.wordpress.com), often creates grids around a 12-15-12 stack in the middle. It’s not a trivial undertaking, as I learned in trying his architecture here. He also includes lot of common-but-not-too-common expressions in his grids, so I figured I’d up the constructing challenge by making all three answers in the middle stack “in the language” phrases.
Enjoy, share, and please check out Club 72; you’re in for a treat. (I don’t know Tim, and I’m sure he has no idea who I am. I just like pointing solvers to other constructors whom they might appreciate.)
Words: 72
Average Length: 5.42
I’m not usually one to pat myself on the back – for one thing, I’m not that flexible – but I’m really pleased with this grid. It’s packed with juicy answers, including Taylor Swift lyrics, two historical French scandals, some schmaltz, and jeans from the ‘70s. I hope you enjoy it!
Words: 72
Average Length: 5.31
Get those neurons firing – this one will probably put up a fight. Just a couple of notes: (1) the new book from 3 Down, “Everybody’s Fool,” is excellent. (2) If you ever get the chance to fly 60 Across, do so – my 12-hour flight from DC to Dubai was a pleasure! (3) If you ever get the chance to go to Iceland (see 47 Down), do so – it’s a beautiful, friendly, fascinating country with a great music scene.
Words: 70
Average Length: 5.43
This one may not play as difficult as my usual themeless, but I’m really not sure. I was aiming for a smooth, open grid with relatively few 3-letter answers (6 in this case) and this is what emerged.
I’m inordinately pleased with the clue for 57 Across, though I don’t wish to presume anything about the relevant couple’s legal affairs. Please enjoy and share!
Words: 66
Average Length: 5.76
This is a tough one, for sure. For solving assistance or just because it’s a great song, here’s a link to the Bob Marley recording referenced in the clue to 5 Down. I hope you enjoy it – come back Wednesday for a gentle mini (as yet unconstructed, but I promise it’ll be gentle, or at least reasonably so) and next Sunday for a medium-difficulty themed puzzle entitled “Gorp.”
Words: 16
Average Length: 5.00
This one probably plays tougher than usual for a midi – I clued it at roughly the difficulty level of a full-size themeless. Enjoy!
Words: 70
Average Length: 5.57
One thing (of many) that I love about crossword construction is that I learn stuff – sometimes “neat” (e.g., 21 and 49 Across) and sometimes silly (11 Down, which is hilarious in an I-shouldn’t-find-this-funny kind of way). As much as I enjoy filling a grid – thinking three steps ahead to consider whether a word will work with the rest of a section – cluing is more intellectually challenging. How difficult do I want the puzzle to be? What’s a good misdirection? Are there any interesting factoids I can work into a clue? Are the references that come to my mind head-scratchers for younger solvers (i.e., 90% of the audience)? (The last problem, among many others, is dealt with by my test-solver, son Adam. Thanks Adam, again and again!)
Jeff's Puzzles