CROSSWORD #527: Clearing the Air

CLEARING THE AIR: [ ACROSS LITE][ PDF] 
PROGRAMS: [Across Lite] [Adobe Reader]

PROGRAM: [Java]

In the early aughts I got into bridge hardcore. Not hardcore bridge, that’s something altogether different. But contract bridge. And okay, not to the level of like quitting my job and becoming a lifemaster or something. But say if there were three of my other bridge-playing friends in the room at one time, it didn’t matter what the event was (rock show, dinner party, wedding reception) dammit, a deck of cards was coming out and hands were being dealt. I eventually got a regular partner and we went out accrued some master points. We were either white hot, or white not. Then unfortunately presumably more important things came along (careers, families, school) and bridge got pushed off to the side. Hey, Jason, Terry, Mike and Ned, if you’re reading this, those were great times and I miss them.

My man Jeff Chen, however, seems to have no problem juggling bridge and adult responsibilities. When he’s not writing children’s books, writing crossword puzzles, he plays bridge. Damn, who’s jealous? Not only that, but Jeff managed to combine all his passions into one project: “Bridge Crosswords,” and, you guessed it, it’s themed crosswords about bridge. So, okay, maybe not all of Jeff’s passions, but at least two of them. In this collection of 52 crosswords (hey, that’s one for every card in the deck!), there’s something for everyone, that is to say plenty of easy and medium level puzzles, and a smattering with more of an uphill battle. All are brimming with the tight consistent themes, more often than not built around word play, and in most cases word play suggested by bridge-related terms. No spoilers for those who haven’t done them yet, but Jeff, if you’re reading this, I just want to say the themes in “Use the Force” and “Twink Twice” were nicely done. So it’s a fun little book whether you know Cappelletti or only know ONENO from fill. Recommended.

Share the puzzle. New one on Monday.