THE PUZZLE BROTHERS

Sign O' The Times

Dave Mackey is now in the bigs with his first published New York Times puzzle, which is now online and will appear in the Wednesday, July 26 print edition of the newspaper. Congratulations!

Jersey Tournament Adds Sudoku, Is Earlier This Year

The annual crossword tournament mounted by Community Blood Services Foundation in northern New Jersey is being pushed ahead on the schedule a few weeks from when it was held last year. The now two-day affair is set for Friday, September 29, and Saturday, September 30, at Bookends in Ridgewood.

The festivities kick off Friday night with a Sudoku competition with a $100 first prize and trophies for the top three finishers in Junior (12-17) and Senior (18+) divisions. The puzzles will be prepared by Will Shortz, who has a number of Sudoku books on the market.

Saturday's crossword competition features puzzles edited by Nancy Schuster and designed by some of the top constructors featured in The New York Times, Penny Press/Dell and Newsday. Competitors will include last year's champion, Robert Mackey. (The other Puzzle Brother, a sidelines observer last year, will be joining the fray this year too.)

There is competition in A and B divisions, with A division comprised of anyone who has placed in the 30th percentile or higher in any puzzle tournament, and B for everyone else. Winners will share $500 in prize money, and will each receive a trophy. Trophies and books will also be awarded to the top contestants in the Rookie division, top contestants from several geographic regions, age groups (including juniors under 21, 50’s, 60’s, and Senior Citizens 70+), plus "the coveted Handwriting Award." Starbuck's (remember them?) is providing continental breakfast. Lunch is "on your own" this year, a change from last year's buffet. A wine and cheese reception will follow the competition.

If you want to come to Ridgewood for a day of crossword fun, visit http://www.communitybloodservices.com/php/puzzle_PHP.php and fill out the form. Of course we hope to see you there - who are the Puzzle Brothers to miss a good time when crosswords are involved?

"Something Smells" In My Mailbox

September 2006 Games Magazine arrived at my home today, and among the puzzles in there is a 2-star 15x called "Something Smells" by one of the Puzzle Brothers. The other Puzzle Brother will be in the September World of Puzzles with a puzzle called "Happy N-Dings".

Other puzzle highlights include a cryptic from Bob Stigger, Pencil Pointers by Frank Longo, crosswords from Annemarie Brethauer and Alan Olschwang, a 23x by Randall Hartman, and an Ornery from Mike Selinker.

Contributors

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Sign O' The Times

Monday, July 24, 2006

Jersey Tournament Adds Sudoku, Is Earlier This Year

Thursday, July 06, 2006

"Something Smells" In My Mailbox