Games World of Puzzles Holiday 2026

LAUNDRY If a reader finds a significant error or a mistake that affects the play of a game or puzzle, and we agree that the slip needs laundering, we’ll acknowledge the first or most entertaining letter and send the writer a GAMES WORLD OF PUZZLES T-shirt. A VERY UNCONVENTIONAL WORD SEARCH (December, page 62) An error in this puzzle’s answer caught the attention of Tom Karb: “The answer grid diagram on page 75 has the answer for level 7 listed as level 9, and the answer for level 9 listed as level 7.” Our apologies to solvers and to puzzle author Pedja Banovic for this mistake: In the process of editing the puzzle, we switched Levels 7 and 9 in the puzzle and answer explanation, but we neglected to switch…

Each answer in this crossword variation has two clues leading to it, using different meanings of the word. The clues are separated into Across and Down, but are otherwise ordered randomly. When you find two Across or two Down clues that seem to have the same answer, add up their clue numbers to determine the place in the grid at which the answer should be entered. ANSWER, PAGE 71 ACROSS 1 Remain faithful (to) 2 Characterized by scattered water 3 Vaccine supplement 4 Express opposition 5 Sign in a mathematical sum 6 Ice cream choice 7 Attach with glue 8 It’s where the heart is 9 Drawback 10 City east of Phoenix 11 Rocket’s first stage 12 Pleasing to the palate 13 Alternative to formula feeding 14 Undershirt, typically 15…

There is one place for each letter of the alphabet in the 26 empty squares of each blank column in the diagram below. Fill in each letter so that a word of at least five letters is formed reading across only. Not all of the letters to the left and right of the empty box are used; it’s up to you to determine which ones are needed to complete familiar words. Some letters may fit in more than one of the empty squares to complete words, but we only came up with one arrangement that would complete a word in each row. Proper names are not allowed. ANSWER, PAGE 70…

Ever wished you could join the legions of solvers who confidently navigate the mysterious language of cryptic crosswords? “Unlocking Cryptics” was designed just for you. This mini puzzle follows the same solving principles as the full-size cryptic crosswords featured later in this issue. Full instructions can be found on pages 60 and 61. This puzzle has a couple of added supports: the type(s) of wordplay involved is listed after each clue, and the definition portion of each clue is underlined. Use these hints to build your skills, and enjoy those “aha” moments! ANSWER, PAGE 76 ACROSS 1 When alpha replaces omega, Jedi religion is a joke (5) (substitution) 3 Bea confused an honest president (3) (anagram) 6 Sorta like a headless fish (3) (deletion) 8 Stab a piece of asparagus (5) (double…

ACROSS 1 When doubled, a Hawaiian fish 5 King of Judea 10 Paper Mate rival 13 Plenty: 2 wds. 14 Amazed: 2 wds. 15 River through Florence 16 Prepare to camp: 3 wds. 18 Pepsi, but not Sprite 19 Like new-fallen snow 20 More greasy 22 Place to get a facial 24 Spew nasty words: 2 wds. 27 Sayings to live by 29 “___ See Clearly Now”: 2 wds. 30 U-turn from NNW 31 ___-friendly 32 Diane who played Annie Hall 34 Call it quits: 4 wds. 40 One of the original Mouseketeers 41 California wine region 42 Prez on a fiver 45 Homer Simpson’s favorite bar 46 More like a toasted marshmallow 48 Have trouble sleeping: 3 wds. 51 Actor Danson of The Good Place 52 Twisty pasta 53…

Got some spare time? Here’s a little time-passer you’ll grasp in no time. The answer to each clue below is a word, phrase, or title ending in “time.” So don’t stress—take your time. 1. 1300 hours, e.g. 2. Tim Taylor’s DIY show, on Home Improvement 3. Song from Porgy and Bess later covered by Janis Joplin 4. Drill instructor’s “Pick up the pace!” 5. Scott Joplin’s music genre 6. Super Bowl intermission 7. Hit song by Semisonic about last call 8. Serving a jail sentence 9. When the best shows are aired 10. New Year’s Eve figure 11. Break in a preschooler’s day 12. Dexter network 13. Cartoon series featuring Jake and Finn 14. Payment for extra hours ANSWERS, PAGE 75…