Natan Last goes toe to toe with us in this challenging puzzle.
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SATURDAY PUZZLE — My memory is not what it once was. At any given moment, I am either losing my house keys, my wallet or my train of thought. So all I can say is that, as far as I can remember, today’s crossword puzzle, constructed by Natan Last, contains some of the wittiest clues I’ve ever seen. (My personal favorite is 17-Across.)
The grid’s design is also satisfying as all get out. I mean, just look at that neat diagonal stack of nine-letter entries moving through its center. There’s enough open space for Saturday-level difficulty, but a few sneaky nooks in each corner that make it easy to build outward.
Though a successful solo constructor, Mr. Last also regularly submits group puzzles created in a crossword class he teaches at JASA (the Jewish Association Serving the Aging). Several of them have made the cut for publication in The New York Times, so keep your eyes out for those, too.
Tricky Clues
17A. Tell me you didn’t gasp when you found that [Pitches low and inside?] solved to SUBWAY ADS — the ads being the pitches, and the subway a low, inside locale for them. Brilliant, no notes.
30A. You’ll need a basic knowledge of boat lingo to solve this one — which, unfortunately for the landlubbers, might be said about many Times clues (you might say we’re naval-gazing). [What shells can be filled with] are CREW TEAMS. “Shell” is the term for a row crew’s notably lightweight racing boat.
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Source: Elections - nytimes.com
