Happy New Year

Hi friends,

Yesterday afternoon, I put out a challenge to crossword fans on Twitter: if we could raise $500 by this afternoon for the Premier Ultimate League (the first professional ultimate league for women, non-binary people, and people of all marginalized genders) and the PUL Foundation (which promotes equity in ultimate and across sport by centering social justice and racial equity through policy, strategic planning, partnership, programming, and accountability structures), then I’d spend the rest of New Year’s Eve writing a cryptic crossword to release tonight.

I knew it was a big request, but I’m delighted to report that the crossword community raised $533.15 in less than 24 hours! Thank you! I also want to thank all of the other crossword folks who’ve run or participated in similar charity puzzle appeals through this year; you inspired this last push of 2020.

This meant I had less than twelve hours to put together my promised cryptic. It was a challenge, but I’m happy with this puzzle, and I think you’ll like it, too. I have to give one last giant thank you to Erik Agard for test solving this puzzle at literally the eleventh hour (and also testing countless other puzzles and putting up with all of my nonsense). Thanks, Erik!

So without further ado: a variety cryptic to say hello to 2021!

Happy New Year | PDF | Solution

Peace,
Neville

Home Alone

Hi friends,

It’s the holiday season again, and I’ve got a puzzle challenge for you. I did something like this two years ago; check that out if you missed it. This year, I’m celebrating Christmas by myself for the same reasons that many of you are. So with that in mind …

This crossword hints at a three-word phrase. Can you figure it out?

Home Alone | PUZ | PDF | Solution | Secret Phrase

Peace,
Neville

Cryptic: At Sixes and Sevens

Hi friends,

I’ve got a small variety cryptic for you today. Lately I’ve been enjoying some long-distance cryptic crossword solving with friends; we’ll both print out the puzzle and work it together while chatting. This can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re still getting used to cryptics. Maybe try that with this puzzle?

At Sixes and Sevens | Solution

Additionally, here are some recent puzzles of mine you might enjoy, especially if cryptics aren’t your thing:

• The Universal syndicate crossword from Thursday, December 3, 2020 | PDF | PUZ
• The New York Times crossword from Thursday, November 26, 2020 | Paywall
• The MD-DC-VA Section of the Mathematical Association of America Fall 2020 newsletter | Full issue | PDF | Solution
• Christopher Newport University Fall 2020 Voyages | Full issue | Interview | PDF | Solution

Peace,
Neville