We’ve got a few weeks’ worth this time; happy solving!
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 solved that 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!
Topping our recommendations since last time is the Lollapuzzoola puzzle pack. While we would say that every single one is a don’t miss, our favorites are Puzzle 3 by Adam Aaronson and Alina Abidi – it’s a real thrill!; Puzzle 4 by Hoang-Kim Vu – complex and clever; and the tiebreaker puzzle by Kenneth Cortes – quick and fun.
Universal: ($) Jersey Numbers (8/21) by Desiree Penner and Jeff Sinnock. This is probably a toughie if you’re not a sports fan, but I enjoyed it and the construction is impressive. —Rich
Universal: ($) Taking Its Toll (8/22) by Shmuel Schmell and Los Angeles Times: (8/23) by Wendy L. Brandes. A pair of fun themes with revealers that are VERY up my alley. —Rich
AVCX+: ($) You Know What’s Cool? (8/23) by Kelsey Dixon. I don’t rec a lot of AVCX puzzles simply because they’re ALL so good, but this one is a real standout. —Rich
New York Times: (8/27) by Julia Hoepner. One of the biggest things I like when solving crosswords is keeping an even solving pace and having fun. This crossword checked both those boxes. With a pleasant Tuesday theme set of entries and an overall fresh feeling, Julia’s NYT debut is one not to miss. -Jac
AVCX: ($) Bowl Game (8/28) by Aimee Lucido. A clever theme that’s fun to untangle, but what I enjoyed even more was the fresh referential cluing throughout. -Norah
Universal: ($) Cal Zone (8/28) by Quiara Vasquez and Paul Coulter. Moderately challenging theme elegantly constructed. Good for a solver looking to work on their theme detection skills. – Norah
Half-Baked Puzzles: Code Words (8/29) by Will Eisenberg and Alex Boisvert. Love this throwback theme. —Rich
The Modern: ($) Saturday August 31 (8/31) by Kelsey Dixon. Another midi from the Modern that makes use of grid art and color relating to a theme. They’re fun! – Norah
As a companion piece to the above, Crosstina Aquafina: themeless no. 34: let’s work it out on the remix (8/27) by May Huang and Kelsey Dixon. love to all my fellow 17-As out there. -Norah (and Rich, who may or may not be a 17-A)
Lil AVC X: ($) Good Days in Spain (8/27) by Wyna Liu. Nicely crunchy midi. I’m always impressed when a themeless puzzle of this size has this many interesting, well-clued spanners. – Norah
Universal: Themeless Sunday 100 (9/1) by Adrian Johnson. With an impressive seven 15-letter entries, this crossword featuring two triple-stacks is not one to miss. -Jac
Bewilderingly Puzzles: Layered Up (9/2) by Will Nediger. Will tells us this one has the normal number of revealers. It’s a Sunday-sized puzzle that will make you say “How does he do it?” – Norah
Lil AVC X: ($) Dance, Dance Revolution (9/3) by Nate Cardin. Ambitious, tight, and fun. The Lil AVC X team has been on fire with the guest stars this year! – Norah
Universal: ($) 4-H (9/5) by Quiara Vasquez and Will Eisenberg. Fun cryptic-lite theme. —Rich
Universal: Numerical Figures (9/10) by Adam Simpson. Numbers meet words with this fun theme. -Jac
The New York Times: ($) Untitled (9/10) by Daniel Bodily. A fun and clever theme that while a hair challenging for a Tuesday still ends up being delightful. -Jac
The New York Times: ($) Untitled (9/12) by Parker Higgins. While experienced solvers may find the theme a little easy for a Thursday, it made my list for its fresh and satisfying fill and cluing. – Norah
Puzzmo: (9/12) On the Contrary by Will Nediger. In Will’s words, “a theme that was discovered rather than created.” It’s got layers! -Norah
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