Diagramless #3

Diagramless #3 - PUZ | PDF | PDF (Solution) 

Back with another diagramless puzzle! For paper solvers, there's a PDF - keep in mind that there are solving square and symmetry hints on pages 2 and 3, so be sure to print only page 1 if you're looking to save paper. For digital solvers you can download the PUZ file, then go to squares.io and upload the PUZ file and solve in their in-browser applet.  There are also the downloadable programs Diagnil and Xword that also allow for digital diagramless solving. Whatever way you solve, hope you enjoy!

The Monthly Bundles have been updated through June. In addition, the 2022 First Half bundles for both Aries Rows Garden and Aries Freestyle are now available. If you're not a subscriber yet but want a taste of what you'd get as a subscriber, be sure to check out these bundles. 

Stay tuned in the next few weeks for an announcement about a new puzzle project!

Diagramless #2

Diagramless #2 - PDF | PUZ | Solution PDF

Back with another Diagramless puzzle! I've got a PDF (with hints included on pages 2 and 3, so be sure not to print those pages if you're looking to save paper), and there's also a PUZ file for digital solvers. Across Lite is no good for diagramlesses, but both the Diagnil or Xword solving programs allow for digital diagramless solving. After downloading the PUZ file you can open the file in either of those programs and solve away. UPDATE: You can also upload the PUZ file and play in the squares.io solving interface if you'd rather not download an extra program. Thanks for the tip Alex B.! 

I have had this puzzle idea on ice for a while; my thought for the longest time was to make a variety cryptic out of it, but I felt the elements didn't quite come together well enough for a cryptic. I think the diagramless format works well for this concept, particularly for the visual element - as always, I'm happy to hear your thoughts!

There's still one week to go in June so I don't have June Rows Garden/Freestyle bundles yet, but check back once July rolls around for those June bundles as well as the 2021 First Half  bundles. A reminder that subscriptions are always open!

This year I've also enjoyed writing cryptics for The Browser newsletter. They're block cryptics but I've been channeling Hex's National Post cryptics and featuring themes in these puzzles over the last few months. And I'm just one member of the crack team of cryptic constructors shepherded by editor Dan Feyer. There's a special 20% off subscription offer for puzzlers available - be sure to subscribe if you aren't already!

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!