Remember that this is not an attempt to pick the “best” puzzles, and we won’t be commenting as critics. Our approach is best described as “puzzles we don’t think you should miss.” Kind of like staff recommendations at a local bookstore.
Did we miss your favorites? Add them in the comments!
Universal: Creative Spelling (7/24) by Aidan Deshong. A clever set of themers brought together by a satisfying revealer. – Will
Universal: French Blend (7/22) by Brian Callahan. A very fun use of symmetry and crossing theme entries that elevates an already extremely creative theme. – Will
New Yorker: (7/22) by Kameron Auston Collins. A difficult themeless that relies on terse clues to make a grid that’s hard to break into but satisfying to fill. -Will
New York Times: (7/23) by Sarah Sinclair and Amie Walker. The standout feature is cluing that feels abnormally fresh and modern for the Times, but also has a pleasant themeset and revealer perfect for a Tuesday difficulty. – Norah
Crosswords Schmosswords: (7/26) by Kate Chin Park. Everything indie themelesses should be: distinct voice; a balanced approach to its inclusion of references, humor, and vocabulary; entries and clues that make you want to learn something new; and challenging but not too difficult. – Norah
Crossword Club: (7/21) by Will Nediger. New at Crossword Club are full-size themelesses published every Sunday – a welcome addition to the growing pool of easy themelesses. This one is smooth and breezy with a conversational touch. – Norah
The Modern Crossword: (7/20) by David Steinberg. A stunner of a theme (that did in fact slow me down) that makes use of its size and interface beautifully. – Norah
Lil AVC X: ($) Not Cool (7/23) by Deanne Cliburn. This was one of the first revealers I ever wrote down when I started constructing crosswords, but I never did anything with it. Love seeing it out there in a puzzle. —Rich
Luckystreak Xwords: the rise and fall of a midwest princess (7/25) by ada nicolle. A perfect crossword representation of one of the best albums of the year. —Rich
Crossword Nexus: Oopsy-Daisy (7/26) by Alex Boisvert. Fun variety puzzle—and an exciting new solver that aims to replicate the experience of solving different puzzle shapes on paper. —Rich