Judith Fairview

With all due respect to the entire NYT Games Crew, if this puzzle didn't have Sam Ezersky's name it would have never made it into the paper without further edits. Not complaining just making an observation.

Sam Good Luck on your book, I can't wait for your return. I was afraid you were following Deb outside the fold. Thanks for staying on board, I think I can speak for a few thousand peeps and say we've grown accustomed to your face, your humor and your FAMILIAR expressions we all have when solving zany Cross words. I also enjoy your endeavors into strands. I think that is you I've noticed. Good to see you ladies moving throughout the gamesphere what a fabulous job it must be. Congrats on the book.

I loved loved loved this crossword!!! A fine example of what I imagine a grandmaster of puzzle construction aims for in each outing. Its a reminder of how Crosswords should be — not filled with 3-letter fillers or tricks like rebus and the like (although I quite enjoy the latter). Jesse you are definitely a natural at this and now you have set the bar very high for your sophomore effort. I cannot wait for your next puzzle. It can't come too soon. I will be heartbroken should you not modify your bucket list to include a Sunday NYT crossword.

Enjoyed this one. I'm in awe of the patience it must have taken to construct a puzzle like this. Definitely a shout-out to Adam and the editors for their hard work. It's truly groundbreaking puzzle Cheers to everyone: Adam, Christina, Joel and of course Deb who's humor is the glue for solvers to stick with it. This one anyway. Without her commentary I would never have had the confidence to join the Thursday Club. Looking forward to Adam's next endeavor.

Unique. Very Creative. A nice change. I enjoyed the puzzle. Hoping Judy is going to submit more.

Loved this puzzle. It's quite rare nowadays to actually be actively engaged with the process. Julian Xiao has demonstrated that he can bring pure Joy into solving puzzles. It's all down to the creator and the patience and wit to construct what is definitely heads and shoulders above the everyday fare. It reminds me how much I enjoy Crosswords that are not saturated with 3- 4- letter words that are not very satisfying. I'm truly a fan of the NYT crossword experience and this gem is why. They take the time to nurture and uncover true talents. Julian Xiao is now at the top of the list. My New favorite name among several others in the NYT crossword elite stable.

@Deb I know this sounds crazy but I don't think I'm going to enjoy the puzzles nearly as much without you. You've obviously been the greatest Wordplay mentor ever. There's not many people who have crossed the bridge from Wed to Thursday without your support, empathy, encouragement, humor and of course the tips on where the rebuses are and your equal frustrations to why the rebus exists at all. Today was the first time I solved a rebus puzzle without any help. If I was a conspiracist I might think it was purposefully done. I'm hoping we will find you doing stand-up comedy or something related to puzzling on your own YouTube Channel. I personally am hoping you are writing a mystery novel about the puzzle community with your classic satire and exceptional wit filling the pages. I wish you the best and will always remember that you were the person who taught me how to solve crossword puzzles. I have a 802 streak and I have never done anything that consistently in my 60 odd years. And without you I would never have had the confidence to even try. Thank you @deb for sharing your gifts with the world. Enjoy your next evolution and please stay in touch with your thousands of mentees. Judith

More of these please David. I enjoyed your themed ladder puzzle. I cannot recall coming across one in a few years or ever. A reminder that a message can be more powerful when communicated in a way that is thought provoking whilst also entertaining. Cannot wait for your Next Level Special Sunday Puzzle David!!!

Okay Ernest you are now my new favorite constructor ... You had me at The Flintstones. I still adore that show, best cartoon ever. I knew it had to be an older show when the opening theme songs were creative and enjoyable. I kept trying to fill the squares with The Brady Bunch. It had to be because it had the "squares' in its song. I wasn't far off and I broke into laughter and sang the Flintstones song. Now they are both swirling in my head. Anyway, I cannot wait for your next puzzle. I hope it's another creation that illustrates your wide interests. Totally refreshing crossword. Almost every clue was unique. I really enjoyed the wordplay and the international flavor. I do hope you will be back soon Ernest you are a great addition to the NYT crossword family. Hands down my favorite solve in 2025.

@Deb know this sounds crazy but I don't think I'm going to enjoy the puzzles nearly as much without you. You've obviously been the greatest Wordplay mentor ever. Not too many people have crossed the bridge from Wed to Thursday, Friday, Sat without your support, empathy, encouragement, humor and of course the tips on where the rebuses are and your equal satirical? frustrations as to why the rebus exists at all. Personally I am hoping you are writing a mystery novel about the puzzle community with your classic satire and exceptional wit filling the pages. Thank you @deb for sharing your gifts. Know that they are precious. Enjoy your next evolution and please stay in touch on what you are getting up to, there are thousands of mentees who are looking forward to seeing you shine.

This is one of my favorite nyt crossword puzzles in the last year. I adored the clues and their solutions. Very original and unique. I'm glad you finally completed your construction Adam. I look forward to many many more puzzles in the next year or two.... thank you Adam's Dad for the suggestion and to you for taking on his challenge.

Absolutely Fabulous! The theme was unique and I've already bookmarked the links. I especially liked all the British references. I'm still hopeful for the NYT Games Team to add a British Style or Cryptic Crossword into their stable.... I enjoyed the puzzle immensely as it also one of the more challenging Monday crossword in memory. Thanks Amanda, you & the editors really hit the mark and for a fun time. I'm looking forward to more NYT constructions from Ms Winters in the near future.

Excellent puzzle. Fun, creative, just the right difficulty... I can't wait for the next one. I'm loving Christina Iverson's puzzles lately. I'm going back to the archive and making sure I have had a go at her creations. I'm not a solver who's going to break any speed records, I enjoy the different elements too much to breeze through them. Along with her collaborations. They are some of the Best NYT Crosswords ever. So now I've added Rebecca to my list. Great Sunday puzzles really set up some good karma for the upcoming week.

Just wanted to say thanks for everything you do Joel.

Unique mini puzzle today. Joel has really been rocking it lately. I love the creativity coming out in his puzzles.

Enjoyed This Puzzle. I learned that I have more knowledge than I thought but I also learned more about useful topics that I will ponder. These treats aren't typically found in a crossword. John Guzetta is a truly talented constructer. He made me realize that our world is moving so fast backwards that there is no longer recognition for critical thinking outside of profitable returns. I don't think I realized how far we have strayed from trying to understand and do what is right. He definitely fired up the Old brain cells with quite a few excellent clues— solves. In a Crossword puzzle, one can find a way to escape the madness that infiltrates everything with the pursuit of power and profit but not knowledge ethics or wisdom. Crosswords can be a great guide with talented creators like John Guzetta.

I was certain that {tactic for driving digital subscriptions} was wordplay or something else related to the quality of games that the NYT continues to advance. It's a strategy that is working with a staff of exceptionally gifted and dedicated game nerds more or less keeping the NYT subscriptions coming. It's absolutely why I still ubscribe to the NYT.

Could be me but many of the clues and the solves don't have any connection to each other. I love a difficult puzzle but I find this particular one isn't made to challenge but trick. Sorry but it feels dishonest. It wants to be be smarter than it actually is.

Very pleasant puzzle. I'd love to see some more by Jess. We called the car game Popeyes back in the olden days...

Great Job MaryEllen!!! Amazing Every clue beginning with B on top of an incredibly fun solve filled with all kinds of Bee things. I cannot imagine how long this Crossword took you to construct. All I can do is tell you how much your efforts are appreciated. I'm anxiously awaiting for your next puzzle no matter what letter you zero in on ...

Loved this one... Because the effort was FRESH FRESH FRESH. I was wondering if I was growing tired of Crosswords as they were feeling more like a chore as of late and today's puzzle helped me realize there's been something of a staleness to the NYT gameplay of late. Generally. For me anyway. I'd take a break but then I'd miss her Sophomore effort. Remember FRESH FRESH FRESH!!!

This week's Mini Crosswords by Christina Iverson have renewed my pleasure in solving minis. They weren't easypeasy I actually had to think. (Not digging on any constructor - it's the format) Usually it feels like you're going through the motions but this week's Minis have been more than challenging. This could be a reflection on my abilities or lack thereof.... I wanted to give a shout out to Christina as I'll never take solving minis for granted anymore.

Love the puzzle. Except for the stress created by entering the rebus letters correctly. Do I use the Slash... Do I enter both across and down... So much sidetracking it's difficult to enjoy a great Sunday crossword afternoon. If anyone knows which letters or slashes are required please reply.

I gotta hand it to Christina on her mini puzzle creations... She's truly excellent at taking a few squares and making your brain do cartwheels trying to figure out her tricky wordplays.

Very fun puzzle. But I would never have solved it without the wordplay column. Thanks again for all your assistance especially for nubes like me. Gradually learning there are no firm rules.

Spoilers? How does one include so many interesting ideas in one puzzle? Bravo Eli. An Heir and a Spare Dead Tree Edition Lies on the golf course I adored Vamoose and Valises best. I was thinking of Michael Jackson's song and you did one better with V... Look forward to more of your puzzles.

Whatever it was, I enjoyed it immensely. Thanks.

Enjoyed this one. I won't ever set a record for completion time because I enjoy the activity so much I try to drag it out as long as possible. This is the perfect puzzle to take your time on. No tricks or rebuses or circled letters to keep track of... Just the normal everyday Saturday Puzzle to savor ... Almost nothing bests it. Thanks Ricky, it was a perfect puzzle to sink one's curiosity into ... You're a keeper... Already waiting for another RJS construction.

Nice one. This didn't feel like a Tuesday puzzle. I kept forgetting what day it was whilst solving. Anyway, impressive construction by the constructor. No other way to put it.

Enjoyed This Puzzle immensely. My favorite of the week. Perhaps because I've had dogs all my life and although themeless this puzzles references to animals boosted my joy. I can't wait for Carly Schuna's next grid ... Perhaps a Ren Faire theme?

Excellent Condition. My 605 puzzle and I'd put it in the top 20... Great clues and fills. She's going to have a great wordplay career I'll be on the lookout for more from Ms Balk in the NYT.

Christina Iverson's Mini was Absolutely Fabulous today... Masterclass Wordplay

Whoa!!! What day of the week is it? It's hard to say. But it's supposed to be Tuesday. This puzzle really tickled my brain with enjoyable fresh Wordplay. — I took note of the constructors afterwards... Of course, I should have known. She's lurking everywhere. Thanks Christina and Scott. Can't wait for your next collab What a great Puzzle!

I really enjoyed this puzzle. I do hope Dr Koetters is busy at work on his next construction. I loved the design and felt like I was solving 5 puzzles at once. I took my time so as to extend the fun.

Fun !!! & funny!!! Definitely a Creative puzzle. Thanks

Really good Friday for me. I learned a few things and knew some things I didn't know I knew. I'm looking forward to more grids from Ms Martin.

Deb, Caitlin and Adrienne you helped me to streak of 700.Today is my 700th Puzzle Streak and I need to leave a thank you comment. So it took me a few years to overcome my Rebus Phobia. And I owe it to Deb Amien. I also have to attribute my ability to try my hand at solving Fri Sat and Sunday too. I have faithfully read her column for a few years and I honestly believe I would have never gotten past my Thursday Derangement Syndrome and then onto the weekend if not for her neverending support group for those of us who just couldn't step across the Thursday divide that separate those who just dread Rebus and those who run as far as possible the other way. I had Plenty of those coveted Gold Stars but not in a streak that you could hang on the refrigerator.  Or even a badge. Deb has such an amazing ability to teach her readers and solvers how not to fear the Rebus Reaper but to understand how to make friends with the process of solving and adjusting around Rebus Thurs to the terror of the Friday and Saturday grids with so many blank squares that only people who have offices in Ivory Towers can possibly begin to shuffle through the NYT Crossword Litmus Test of creating a streak. Deb, YOU are a teacher who identifies with the fear and loathing of any solver in need of both a therapist and a humorist A Sunday grid with Rebuses (who does this?) and on my 70 I loved every minute of it. A Great Time for All! I'm finally getting on the refrigerator. I had to edit out 1000 words.

Excellent. Creative and ingenious.

Excellent Saturday Puzzle. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Looking forward to more sooner rather than later if you've got the time. Jazz Fest obviously comes first.

Excellent puzzle Mat. You hit the mark and then some. Excellent clues and entries. Speed bump was the first time I've seen a device used for creating more fun not foolery. You are gifted and I Can't wait for more of your gifts to be shared.

I enjoyed this puzzle. Very creative.

Loved it Jackson. Keep them coming.

I just noticed that Will Shortz edited Collins puzzle. I guess I'm not plugged in to the wordplay zeitgeist but it's truly incredible to have Will back in the game. Is there an article about Will's return?

I really enjoyed the DN crossword puzzle today. Hoping to see more of these wordplays in the future.

Anyone else have a technical glitch with their crossword puzzles on Sunday? All of the sudden my Friday and Saturday puzzle dropped from my streak leaving me down out and devastated. I'm hoping someone can direct me to the proper people who can help. It's like having the rug pulled out from under you for no fault of your own. Quite like life. But the NYT crossword experience is my only refuge from that and now it's been invaded too. Yes I know it's not important in the scheme of things but it was my tiny bit of happiness and accomplishment that I could call all my own. With the help of the wordplay team notwithstanding. Enjoyed Monday's puzzle nonetheless with some lovely clues. I wish I had taken more time.