Puns & Anagrams #2

Puns & Anagrams #2 - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

It's been a while since I've posted a Puns & Anagrams puzzle, so happy to return to this format for the December puzzle. As I've written before, P&As are a variety format derived from cryptics, but they stand apart from cryptics in several key ways. To recap the major differences:

1) Fully interlocking grid. Unlike standard block cryptics, where roughly 50% of the squares are checked by crossing entries, P&A grids qualify as standard themeless crossword grids, with a max of 72 entries in the grid. Every square is a part of an across and down entry. This affords solvers many more opportunities to solve an entry than a cryptic does, which helps explain some of the looseness of P&A clues.

2) Anagram clues (which comprise about half of the clues in a P&A) do not include anagram indicators, which are required for cryptics. In addition, homophones of letters (or groups of letters) included in the anagram are fair game. So, the word "sea" could signal a C to be included in the anagram; the word "seize" could signal multiple Cs to be included in the anagram; and "seedy" could signal the letters CD to be included in the anagram. 

3) While anagram clues will include a straight-forward hint to the entry, non-anagram clues do not require a straight-forward hint. Non-anagram clues will include cryptic tropes such as hidden words, containers, and homophones, as well as more P&A-typical conventions as visual rebuses, puns, and fill-in-the-blanks.

For this P&A, I made sure that none of the clues would work as a cryptic clue. As such this might play a little harder than a New York Times P&A, and it might be a little less wacky than a Times P&A can tend to be. I hope solvers enjoy! I realize that P&As are somewhat of a divisive format, but I find them to be a fun challenge to write and I want them to stand apart from cryptics. As always, any and all feedback is welcomed.

Happy holidays! I'm certainly ready to turn the page on 2020. I hope the puzzles were a welcome respite from this most challenging year. A reminder that you can always purchase monthly or yearly bundles of past subscription puzzles, and Rows Garden and Freestyle subscriptions are always open. Here's hoping for a better year in 2021!    

"High Times" Solution

Aries Cryptic #30 - "High Times" - Solution (PDF)  

Thanks for everyone who submitted an answer to the "High Times" cryptic contest! There were 103 entrants to this contest, and the randomly-selected winners of two-month subscriptions were Becky Anderson and Jason Taniguchi. Congrats to Becky and Jason! See above for the solution, and look forward to more cryptic contests in the future. 

The November bundles are now posted, so hop on over to the archive and scoop up a bundle or two. Or better yet, become a subscriber! Subscriptions are always open, so if you're a fan of Rows Gardens or Freestyle puzzles - or both - consider becoming an Aries subscriber. 

I'll be back in a few weeks with this month's variety puzzle.

Aries Cryptic #30 - "High Times" (Contest)

Aries Cryptic #30 "High Times" - PDF | Solution | Intro to Cryptics Guide (PDF)

Happy Thanksgiving! We're still celebrating the tenth anniversary here at Aries Puzzles, so here's a special variety cryptic for you, titled "High Times." 

Happy solving!

10th Anniversary!

Digital Decade - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

This month marks the tenth anniversary of AriesPuzzles.com! Back in November 2010 when I launched the site I wasn't not sure if it would have lasted ten weeks much less ten years, so it's especially gratifying to acknowledge not only this anniversary but the growth of Aries Puzzles over these ten years. Thanks to all solvers who have visited the site and solved puzzles over the last decade and have helped grow the site by recommending it to others. Here's to another ten years! 

For the special occasion, I've got a themed crossword for your enjoyment, titled "Digital Decade." See above for the PUZ and PDF files, or below to solve online. Hope you enjoy!

I've updated the Monthly Bundles through October so be sure to check those out if you're interested.

There will be another puzzle coming this anniversary month, so be sure to stop by again soon. If you've been coming to this site for ten years or if this is your first visit, I'm very grateful for your support. As always, happy solving!

Diagramless #1

Diagramless #1 - PDF | Solution | PUZ

Back this month with a diagramless puzzle! This is my first attempt at a diagramless, a format that was one of the first crossword variety formats that I really took to as a budding puzzle-loving solver. This book of diagramlesses by Brendan Emmett Quigley did a lot to foster that love of diagramlesses - jeez, was it that long ago that it was published? Seems like yesterday. 

The PDF has three pages; the first page has the puzzle, the second page has the starting square hint at the bottom of the page, and the third page has the symmetry type. So be sure to only print out that first page and if you want or need the hints, just scroll down to the appropriate page on the PDF so you don't waste paper.  Let me know what you think - anytime I make a first foray into a format, any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

UPDATE: I've added a PUZ file up top; for digital solving options you can download either Diagnil or Xword and open the downloaded PUZ file in either of those apps. Thanks to Jeff D. for pointing these out!

Also, the September bundles for Aries Rows Garden and Aries Freestyle have been posted. It was a five-week month, so those bundles are fully packed! Get your hands on one of these bundles if you're curious what a subscription would entail.

One final plug - I'm excited to join the crossword team over at Vox! My first puzzle will drop this Friday the 23rd, and each Friday I'll have a mini puzzle posted, as well as a full-sized themed puzzle about once a month on Saturdays. So far it's been great working with the people at Vox as well the fellow Vox crossword team - Adesina O. Koiki, Juliana Tringali Golden, Patrick Blindauer, and Will Nediger. All the puzzles are free to solve, and are meant to be accessible, current, and above all fun - give it a shot!

Talk to you soon - I've got something special planned for November (maybe even an extra free puzzle), so be sure to stop by! 

Twists & Turns #4

Twists & Turns #4 - Standard Version PDF | Harder Version PDF | Standard Version JPZ | SOLUTION PDF

Back this month with another Twists & Turns! As with the past T&Ts, I've included PDFs of the Standard and Harder versions. The Standard version lists the Twists in grid order, while the Harder lists the Twist clues alphabetically. There's also a JPZ of the Standard version - to solve, first download the link above and then visit the Crossword Nexus Solver to use their online interface. 

The August monthly bundles for Aries Rows Garden and Aries Freestyle have also been added - scoop up a bundle or two (or sign up for a subscription) if you're looking for more puzzles to solve.

Happy solving!

August FREE RG

August FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | Solution

August FREE RG - RGZ (for solving in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)

Here's the August FREE RG. This puzzle started with the entry at B2. As always, hope you enjoy!

Announcement: I'm cutting back on the Thursday puzzles. Instead of the weekly rotation I'll be moving to a once-a-month posting schedule featuring either a variety puzzle or a cryptic. I've got a Twists & Turns puzzle lined up for September, for starters. The monthly free puzzle will still be posted on a Thursday, but the week of its posting will vary. Be sure to sign up for the RSS feed (see the sidebar on the right) or subscribe to the Daily Crossword Links newsletter so you don't miss any new monthly puzzles. Thanks to all those who have stopped by each week to solve over the last year and a half! I do hope you keep coming back for the monthly puzzles.

Yours in puzzling,

-Andrew

Aries Cryptic #29

Aries Cryptic #29 - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution | Intro to Cryptics (PDF)

Here's the cryptic for this month. While it was not the seed entry, I think 6-Down is my favorite clue. I particularly like clues that have a logical and consistent surface sense and this one was fun to mold into shape. Hope you enjoy!

It's a little late this month, but I've got July bundles up for the Rows Garden and Freestyles. I've permanently cut the price of those monthly bundles so if you're curious to know what to expect from a Rows Garden or Freestyle subscription, scoop up a monthly bundle or two!

Aries Throwback - "Culture Club"

Aries Throwback - "Culture Club" - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's the Throwback puzzle for the month, titled "Culture Club," which was originally published in The Growler in 2019. I found out (secondhand) that The Growler officially ceased publication last month, which means that I'll no longer have any more puzzles there. It was fun while it lasted though! Hope you enjoy this puzzle - it's got a beer theme but it should be accessible for non-beer nerds too. Happy solving!

August FREEstyle

August FREEstyle - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's the August FREEstyle, which is a 70-word, 30-block puzzle. Happy solving!

Spiral #1

Spiral #1 - Easier (PDF) | Harder (PDF) | Easier (JPZ) | Solution (PDF)

It's the fifth Thursday this month, so it's variety puzzle time! Here's a Spiral puzzle for your enjoyment. I've included two versions of this puzzle: the Easier version is familiar to those who solve Spirals when they are included among the Sunday New York Times variety puzzles. The clues give the starting and ending points of each entry in the Easier version. For the Harder version, the clues are listed in order but their starting and ending points are not given, so you must use logic to determine the placement of entries in the grid. I've also included a JPZ version of the Easier version - once you download the file, you can use this handy JPZ Solver over at Crossword Nexus to solve on your computer.

Whichever version you solve, I hope you enjoy!   

July FREE RG

July FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | Solution

July FREE RG - RGZ (for solving in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)

Here's the July FREE RG. Hope you enjoy!

Aries Cryptic #28

Aries Cryptic #28 - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution (PDF) | Intro to Cryptics (PDF)

Here's this month's Cryptic. Hope you enjoy!

Aries Throwback - "Deep in the Heart of Texas"

"Deep in the Heart of Texas" - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's this month's Throwback puzzle, which comes from my 2012 book Texas Crosswords. My old neighbors Hannah and Xavier just moved to Texas so I thought it would be appropriate to post a puzzle from the this book. Though it now seems like a lifetime ago, I specifically remember writing this puzzle, and it's one of my favorites from the book. I did edit a few parts of the grid, which also meant that I had to think a little harder than usual for the new clues - as I'm now more of a cluing minimalist, I think 6-Down is my favorite clue. Hope you enjoy!

I've updated the Monthly Bundles to include the June 2020 puzzles, and I've also added the 2020 First Half puzzles on the archive pages for Aries Rows Garden and Aries Freestyle. If you're not currently a subscriber and want to check out what you're missing, get your hands on a bundle or two!

July FREEstyle

July 2020 FREEstyle - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution | "Night Moves" Solution

Back with this month's FREEstyle, which is a 64-word, 34-block puzzle. Going with a rectangular shaped 14x16 grid for a change of pace. Hope you enjoy!

Congrats to Patrick Jordan and Richard Allen for winning the "Night Moves" cryptic contest! Thanks to all 116 solvers who submitted a final answer - I was pleasantly surprised by the high number of entrants for this contest. For those interested in the solution to "Night Moves," see above.

Also, I'm happy to plug the freshly released "Grids for Good" puzzle pack, available upon a donation to a charity for Covid relief or racial justice. There's over 40 puzzles written by a wide range of crossword stars, including a few variety puzzles and metapuzzles with prizes for winners. High quality work which goes towards supporting worthy causes - get on it!

June FREE RG

June FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | Solution

June FREE RG - RGZ (for solving in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)

Here's the June FREE RG. This puzzle started with the entry at C2. I enjoyed including the entry at H1, however I initially thought that the first bloom would be impossible to cross. But no! I really like those blooms that look like nonsense at first glance. 

Thanks for all the positive feedback regarding last week's variety cryptic "Night Moves"! I've received over 100 correct answers so far, which definitely exceeded my expectations. The contest is open through Sunday, so if you haven't solved yet, there's still time to get in on the action.  

Happy solving!

Aries Cryptic #27 - "Night Moves"

Aries Cryptic #27 - "Night Moves" - PDF | Solution | Intro to Cryptics Guide (PDF)

This month's cryptic is a variety cryptic - and it's a contest! Email me the two-word phrase as described in the puzzle's instructions by Sunday, June 28th for a chance to win a two-month Aries subscription. For this contest, I'll be picking two winners - a current Aries subscriber, who will receive a two-month extension to their subscription, as well as a non-subscriber who will receive a two-month Aries subscription of their choice. PDF only for this puzzle.

Happy solving!

Aries Throwback - "Super Stars"

Aries Throwback - "Super Stars" - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's the Throwback puzzle for the month, titled "Super Stars." This easy-medium puzzle was originally published in The Growler in 2017. Hope you enjoy!

June FREEstyle

June 2020 FREEstyle - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution PDF

Here's the FREEstyle for June, which is a 73-word, 34-block puzzle. This puzzle started with the 16-letter entry at 38-Across. I also enjoyed getting in a few long entries especially appropriate for Pride Month. Be well, everybody, and happy solving!

May FREE RG

May FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | Solution

May FREE RG - RGZ (for solving in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)

Here's this month's FREE RG. This puzzle started with the entry at C1. I also enjoyed including B1, F1, G2, and I2 in this puzzle, which give the puzzle a nice colloquial feel. Hope you enjoy!

Aries Cryptic #26

Aries Cryptic #26 - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's the cryptic for the month. This puzzle started with the northwest corner, first cluing 2-Down and 9-Across. I took the slow approach cluing this puzzle, working on a clue or two a day over a couple of weeks. Hope you enjoy!

Aries Throwback - "Play With Your Food"

Aries Throwback - "Play With Your Food" - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's this month's Throwback puzzle, titled "Play With Your Food," which was originally published for Aries Xword in 2017. This should play on the easier side. It's nice to have a break from the tougher puzzles once in a while. Hope you enjoy!

May FREEstyle

May 2020 FREEstyle - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution PDF

Thanks for all the feedback regarding last week's Twists & Turns! Back with a standard Freestyle this week. This puzzle is a 70-word, 28-block puzzle. 7-Down was the seed entry here, and I especially like how the center section feeds into the northeast and southwest sections of the grid.

Happy solving!

Twists & Turns #3

Twists & Turns #3 - Standard Version PDF | Harder Version PDF | Standard Version JPZ | SOLUTION PDF

Back with another Twists & Turns puzzle! The first two of these seemed to be very well-received by solvers, so it's important to keep these coming.

As with the last T&T, the puzzle is offered in two difficulty levels. The Standard version lists the Twist clues in grid order, left to right and top to bottom, while the Harder version lists the Twist clues in alphabetical order. I recommend the Standard version for solvers new to the format and non-experts  - if I were solving these, I'd prefer the Standard version myself. But I know many of you are looking for an extra challenge, so for experts and gluttons for punishment, give the Harder version a try.

For now, these puzzles are PDF only. I imagine that a JPZ version can be created for these; however, I don't even know how to begin creating a JPZ file from scratch. For those who are technically adept at creating JPZ files, I'd be interested in a tutorial to show me the ropes! Send me an email if you would be willing to walk me through the process.

UPDATE: Thanks to Jeff Davidson for creating a JPZ version! I've added a link above. After downloading the file, use the JPZ solving applet on Crossword Nexus to solve. The JPZ file only supports the Standard version of the puzzle. I've given the JPZ version a test run and it works pretty well. Thanks so much Jeff!

As before, the more feedback the better for this new format - feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email directly. Each solving experience gives me greater insight into how the format plays, so whether you enjoyed it or - equally important - if you didn't enjoy it, your feedback is much appreciated.

Happy solving!

April FREE RG

April FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | Solution

April FREE RG - RGZ (for solving in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)

Here's this months Rows Garden. This puzzle started with the colloquial entry at C2, and other favorite entries in this grid include F1, G2, and H2. Happy solving!

Aries Cryptic #25

Aries Cryptic #25 - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's this month's Cryptic. This one started with the 12-Across entry. When writing a block cryptic, I start with cluing the longest entries and end with the shortest, filling the grid as I go along. Usually the puzzle comes together one quadrant at a time; here 12-Across was followed by 9-Down, then 5- and 15-Across, always making sure that there are viable filling options for the shorter entries. Then I tackled the southwest quadrant in a similar fashion, then moving to the long entries in the northwest and southeast. The two four-letter answers at 11- and 24-Across were the last clues written. This approach is unlike all other puzzles that I write, which present a much clearer grid-first, cluing-second division of labor.

Happy solving!

Aries Throwback - "That's Debatable"

Aries Throwback - "That's Debatable" - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's this month's Throwback puzzle, titled "That's Debatable," which was originally published in February 2019 in The Growler magazine. Happy solving!

April FREEstyle

April 2020 FREEstyle - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Here's the FREEstyle for April! This puzzle started with the center stack, which was built around the entry at 34-Across. Hope you enjoy!

If you're looking for more puzzles, for the month of April, all Monthly Bundles are 50% off! Also can hit up the free Rows Garden archive - there are over 120 free Rows Gardens for your solving (and re-solving) pleasure.

Happy solving!

March FREE RG

March FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | Solution

March FREE RG - RGZ (for solving in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)

Here's the FREE RG for the month! This puzzle started with the colloquial phrase at C1. Other entries I enjoyed including were D2, E1, G1, and I2, all of which have very few, if any, previous appearances in crosswords. Hope you enjoy!

If you're looking for more variety puzzles, I highly recommend the newest suite written by the great Patrick Berry, titled "Sweet 16." Patrick released this set of mini variety puzzles in February, but I didn't have an opportunity to solve this until this past weekend. I solved all the puzzles in around four hours, which makes its $10 price more than worth it. Each of the sixteen variety types which lead to the "grand finale" delivers a strong "a-ha" moment or two within the puzzle. And once you see how everything comes together in the end, it's a truly marvelous work. There's an accessibility in this suite that I appreciate as well - not too many of the puzzles were true brain-busters, but each makes your brain work in a different, satisfying way. My favorite puzzles of the set include "Double Team," "Fitting In," "Fair Share," "Connections," and "Flower Clusters," which is a clever spin on a Rows Garden. I'll say it again: this was a terrific set of puzzles! For more info and to purchase, click here.

Aries Cryptic #24

Aries Cryptic #24 - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution | Intro to Cryptics Guide (PDF)

Here's this month's Cryptic, which was seeded by the two 12-letter entries at 4- and 11-Down. Hope you enjoy!

Also on the American cryptic front, The Nation announced it will be discontinuing its long-running cryptic at the end of the month. The good news is that The Nation cryptic writers Joshua Kosman and Henri Picciotto will be continuing to write their fine cryptics through Patreon starting in April. Click here for more info and to subscribe to Out of Left Field cryptics!

Happy solving,

Andrew

Aries Throwback - "Giving Back"

Aries Throwback - "Giving Back" - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Back with this month's Throwback puzzle! This puzzle, titled "Giving Back," was originally published in 2017 in The Growler magazine. This is a pretty simple theme but fun at the same time. I like that 18-Across is now more personal to me than when I originally wrote the puzzle, as one of my neighbors is from there, and as a result I see lots of that cool trident flag!

Happy solving, and stay safe out there.

March FREEstyle

March 2020 FREEstyle - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Got the March FREEstyle this week, but first let's recap the Cryptic contest from last month, "Treasure Hunt." There were 84 correct entries this time around, and the randomly-selected winner is Tim Tebbe. Tim has chosen a two-month Bundle subscription as his prize - congrats Tim! Thanks for all who solved. Here's the solution including the meta explanation:

Aries Cryptic #23 "Treasure Hunt" - Solution (PDF)

Back to the FREEstyle for this month, which is a 70-word, 29-block puzzle. This one started with the entry at 20-Across. With the 40th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice recently commemorated, I had a chance to watch the full game for the first time in many years. It was instructive to watch just how much the US was outmatched in that game, and how terrible first-period Soviet goaltending in particular was the key for the Americans to have any shot of competing. The broadcast certainly is a memorable one, and Al Michaels' play-by-play throughout the game was stellar, not just the famous call at the end of the game. Underappreciated is the color work by the then recently-retired Ken Dryden, whose voice-cracking "Unbelievable!" after Michaels' famous call punctuates the moment. Good stuff!

2019 Orca Awards - Best Freestyle winner!

The ninth annual Orca Awards have been announced! This list of the year's best in puzzling is the brainchild of Sam Donaldson at the Crossword Fiend blog, and is always a treat to read. This year was especially special, as Caitlin Reid took home Best Freestyle for her guest Aries Freestyle puzzle from last October!

One of the highlights of 2019 was working with all six guest constructors for Aries Freestyle - C.C. Burnikel, Peter Wentz, Stella Zawistowski, Neville Fogarty, and Doug Peterson, in addition to Caitlin. In the case of Caitlin's puzzle, I was particularly awed by the smoothness of the grid, but I think the puzzle was elevated even higher by the cleverness of Caitlin's clues. A true masterpiece - congrats Caitlin!

February FREE RG

February FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | Solution

February FREE RG - RGZ (for solving in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)


Back with this month's Rows Garden! This puzzle started with the entry at C2; while it's an entry that isn't making its debut, it lends a nice letter pattern for its intersecting blooms. For me the fun in constructing a Rows Garden isn't so much the seed entry but uncovering the best fill that emerges from the seed. Here entries like E2, F1, and G2 were pleasant surprises that resulted from the trial-and-error process of constructing the grid. Hope you enjoy!

A few days remaining to send in your answer for the Meta Cryptic contest! I've already received over 50 correct entries so far. The contest runs through 7 PM PST on Monday, March 2nd, so be sure to give it a shot!

Happy solving,

Andrew

Aries Cryptic #23 - "Treasure Hunt"

This month's Cryptic is another meta contest! It's titled "Treasure Hunt," and the meta answer is a seven-letter proper noun. There's a slightly shorter window to enter the meta contest this time - email your answer by 7 PM PST on Monday, March 2nd. As was the case with the January meta crossword, one randomly-selected entrant with a correct answer will receive a two-month Aries subscription of their choice.

The meta answer isn't super challenging to get in this case, however, cryptics are a different beast altogether than standard crosswords, so finishing the puzzle itself may be more of a challenge depending on your cryptic skills. But I expect cryptic experts will have no problem with the meta here. Whatever your solving level, I hope you enjoy this one!

Aries Cryptic #23 - "Treasure Hunt" - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Intro to Cryptics Guide (PDF) | Solution

Aries Throwback - "Communication Breakdown"

Thanks for all those who submitted an answer to the "First-Class" meta contest from last month! There were 26 correct entries along with 3 incorrect entries. The randomly-selected winner among the correct entries is Brian Hattenbach, who will receive a two-month Aries subscription of his choice! Here's the solution PDF, which includes the explanation of the meta answer:

Aries Meta "First-Class" - Solution

And here is this month's Throwback puzzle, an easyish puzzle originally published in 2015 titled "Communication Breakdown." This one has a basic theme that makes use of some fun theme answers. Hope you enjoy!

Communication Breakdown - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

February FREEstyle

Here's the February FREEstyle, which is a 68-word, 34-block puzzle. This puzzle features the classic staggered 11s in the middle, which I don't do too often anymore. Always good to revisit a successful format like this. Hope you enjoy!

The January 2020 monthly bundles are now available! Special attention to the January Freestyle bundle, which includes a 21x21 freestyle that I sent to subscribers last week, if you're interested in a supersized challenge.

Also, still time to send in your answer to the "First-Class" meta crossword that was posted last week. Deadline for entries is next Wednesday, February 12th, at 7 PM PST.

Happy solving!

February FREEstyle - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Aries Meta - "First-Class"

For the fifth Thursday this month, I've got a meta crossword! Puzzle lovers undoubtedly are familiar with meta crosswords, whose rise to mainstream popularity over the last decade must be primarily attributed to Matt Gaffney, who writes metas for his Matt Gaffney's Weekly Crossword Contest as well as the Wall Street Journal.

This meta, titled "First-Class," is a toughie - let's figure a solid Week 4 on the Gaffney scale. Consider yourself forewarned! The meta answer is a five-letter article of clothing that's missing from the grid. Submit your answer via email by 7 PM on Wednesday, February 12th. One randomly-chosen correct entry will receive a free 2-month Aries Puzzles subscription of their choice! If the winner already is a subscriber, they would receive a 2-month extension to their subscription.

I'm considering adding meta puzzles as a regular feature of the site, so if you enjoyed this puzzle, let me know in the comments or your submission email! I've got ideas for metas involving non-standard crossword formats such as cryptics and Rows Gardens as well, so if this sounds like something you'd like to see more of around here, do let me know!

Happy solving!

Aries Meta "First Class" - PUZ | PDF | Grayscale PDF | Solution (PDF)

January FREE RG

Back with the first FREE RG of 2020 - as always, hope you enjoy!

January FREE RG - PDF: Hardest | Harder | Easier | Easiest | Solution

January FREE RG - RGZ (for solving in the Rows Garden app for iPad/iPhone, Android, and Kindle Fire)

Aries Cryptic #22

Here's the first cryptic of 2020! This puzzle started with 22-Down, which also happened to be the test solvers' favorite clue. I also enjoy the 12-Across and 28-Across clues, as they feature wordplay techniques that aren't so common in cryptics. Hope you enjoy!

Aries Cryptic #22 - PUZ | PDF | PDF - Grayscale | Solution

Aries Throwback - "Imperial Exit"

Back with this month's Throwback puzzle, titled "Imperial Exit," which is a 78-word, 38-block puzzle. This puzzle originally appeared in 2018 in The Growler magazine, whose puzzle I write along with Victor Barocas. The Growler is a food and drink magazine and specifically a craft beer magazine, and this puzzle is very much at home in a beer-themed publication. Cheers!

Imperial Exit - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

January FREEstyle

Here's the January FREEstyle, which is a 70-word, 30-block puzzle. This puzzle started with the squarish 6x5 chunks in the top left and bottom right. As a keep-it-simple grid challenge, it was a worthwhile exercise. Hope you enjoy!

January FREEstyle - PUZ | PDF | PDF - Grayscale | Solution