Wordplay, the CROSSWORD COLUMN, is excited to introduce a new themeless crossword by Adrian Johnson, a young and talented puzzle-maker. This Sunday’s grid, “Go With the Flow,” is a challenging yet delightful puzzle that showcases Johnson’s impressive skills.
Johnson, who is currently a substitute teacher in Tennessee, has been creating crosswords for three years and has already sold his first puzzle to The Times. This is his ninth puzzle for the paper and his seventh unthemed grid, which he claims is his favorite type of crossword to make.
The grid features many pop-culture references, including a long-running series on the Discovery Channel and a catchy portmanteau that will likely appeal to dog lovers. The constructor notes that this puzzle was made with quiet confidence, which paid off as it received positive feedback from the editor.
The grid’s title, “Go With the Flow,” is aptly named, as it guides solvers through a clockwise spiral, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience. Tricky clues like 43A (LITE-BRITES) and 95A (ALTERNATE ENDING) showcase Johnson’s clever wordplay.
Subscribers can find the answer key on our website, and puzzle enthusiasts can try to solve it themselves by clicking here.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this puzzle! Comment below with your favorite clues or challenges you faced.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/crosswords/daily-puzzle-2024-12-22.html