Puzzle Notes

Hi cryptic lovers,

The first in-person American Crossword Puzzle Tournament since 2019 continues to pay off in new-to-AVCX constructors we lined up while in Stamford! Today's puzzle is one such -- a debut from Kyle Dolan.

Kyle Dolan has been constructing crosswords since 2008. He took up cryptic construction during the pandemic and occasionally posts original cryptics on his blog, Beneath The Surface, along with variety crosswords. This is his first cryptic publication and he is thrilled to be making his AVCX debut as well. Kyle lives with his wife and son near Chicago, IL, where he works on science policy and foreign relations.

This puzzle includes some clever techniques you may not have seen before in a cryptic. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have!

Be well,
The AVCX Cryptic Team