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wordplay, the crossword column
Let’s pull apart Andrew Kingsley and Garrett Chalfin’s grid.
By Deb Amlen
Jump to: Today’s Theme | Tricky Clues
THURSDAY PUZZLE — An odd-looking grid today, don’t you think? I’m speaking of the black square pattern, with the T’s and the jagged lines that I call lightning bolts, as well as the lack of symmetry.
When I see a grid like this one by Andrew Kingsley and Garrett Chalfin, I assume one of two things: Either the constructors are not experienced when it comes to grid design (not true in this case, and the editors would have asked for a revision, anyway), or they did this for a very good reason (bingo).
The unusual design allowed the constructors to fit their theme in the grid, an admirable alternative to giving up on a very cute idea.
Mr. Kingsley is a teacher at the Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, and Mr. Chalfin was his student. This is Mr. Kingsley’s 20th New York Times crossword and Mr. Chalfin’s third.
Today’s Theme
Do you smell that? There’s a delectable aroma wafting through today’s puzzle, and it is making me hungry.
Mr. Kingsley and Mr. Chalfin are making SPLIT PEA SOUP in their grid, and I hope they pass some of that deliciousness my way. As Mr. Kingsley says below, his hearty soup is made with a ton of bacon, although cooks can use bacon-flavored seasoning if they don’t eat meat.
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