Double or Nothing #7

Double or Nothing #7 - PDF | PDF (Grayscale) | Solution

Back with another Double or Nothing puzzle. These Patrick Berry-invented creations seem to be a big hit with solvers, so happy to run another one here. Whereas Berry Double or Nothings are built around a multi-part quote (typically about gambling), I tend to use the format as a way to get extra-long entries that normally wouldn't fit in a typical 15x15 grid. In this puzzle, the seeds were 17- and 56-Across and 7-Down. As always, hope you enjoy!

Speaking of Patrick Berry, he's just released a new meta-suite of variety puzzles called The Blabyrinth. Anything that Patrick releases is an insta-purchase for me, so be sure to get your hands on this project if you haven't already.

Just one puzzle to go until Aries Rows Garden ceases weekly puzzles. Check back next week to get the December bundle if you aren't currently subscribed. 12/31/2024 UPDATE: Both the December bundle and the 2024 Second Half bundles are now available! The full 2014-2024 bundle, now including all 444 puzzles, has also been updated and is available in the Rows Garden Archive.

As explained in last month's announcement, I'll be certainly releasing original Rows Gardens in 2025, just on a more sporadic basis. And as also mentioned in that post, the monthly variety puzzles will continue apace, so definitely keep stopping by!

Happy solving,

-Andrew 

Twists & Turns #11

Aries Twists & Turns #11 - Harder (PDF) | Standard (PDF) | Standard (JPZ) | Solution (PDF)

It's Thanksgiving, so that must mean it's time for another Twists & Turns puzzle! If you've never tried your hand at one of these challenging puzzles, I recommend giving the Standard version a shot. The Harder version lists the Twists clues alphabetically which does ramp up the challenge even more, so fair warning that you're in for a workout. The Standard version is also available in digital JPZ format - first download the JPZ link above, then head over to Crossword Nexus and open the file to solve in their smooth online interface. Either way you solve, hope you enjoy!

In case you missed it, I wrote an essay earlier this week announcing the discontinuation of Aries Rows Garden. Thanks to all subscribers who have commented or written emails expressing their support! It really means a lot. As I explained in the essay, these monthly variety puzzles will continue, so do keep coming back and solving.

The monthly bundles are updated to include the November 2024 bundle, so if you're not a subscriber or want a small taste of the puzzles offered with Aries Rows Garden, scoop up a bundle or two. All subscription puzzles dating back to 2014 are offered for sale in the Rows Garden Archive, so if you want a bigger taste of RGs, pick up some whole or half year bundles there.

Happy Thanksgiving, and happy solving!

-Andrew

The End of an Era

After eleven years, I've made the difficult decision to discontinue the weekly Aries Rows Garden subscription service. The final puzzle, #11.53, will be emailed to subscribers on December 31st, 2024. 

I'm proud to say that it's been a good run. When I launched Aries Rows Garden in 2014, there was no puzzle service that exclusively offered Rows Gardens. I was flying blind in a sense, lacking a subscriber base proven to support one niche format, as well as a price point that would attract enough solvers to make it a financially viable venture. Slowly but surely a small but dedicated base emerged. Reflecting now in 2024, and after 444 (!) total Rows Gardens, I'm happy to report that the landscape is much different. There are two other Rows Garden services that have entered the market, and the Rows Garden solvership seems very well-served in comparison to those desolate pre-2014 days. 

While I freelanced as a full-time puzzle writer for five years, I've since transitioned to full-time work outside of puzzles, and I prefer a focused commitment to my current profession. For me, the Rows Garden is a very labor-intensive format, and the time needed to produce quality puzzles isn't as available as it once was. This was a decision that I certainly wrestled with, but ultimately it's the best one for me at this stage in my life. 

What does this mean going forward? First of all, I am planning on continuing the free monthly variety puzzles on the website, so do keep stopping by to solve original variety puzzles such as Twists & Turns, Double or Nothing, and Marching Bands. 

As far as Rows Gardens go, I may be shuttering the weekly puzzles, but I hope to offer RGs on an occasional basis in the future. The monthly bundles have proven to be a pleasant surprise as there seems to be a decent market willing to pay for smallish bundles. Nothing is currently set in stone, but I'm thinking of offering such a bundle of 5 or 6 original Rows Gardens perhaps once a quarter - and I would be willing to make that a regular thing, if a market proves viable. This is to say that I'm not done writing Rows Gardens, and stay tuned to the site for more info on when the next RG offering becomes available.

So while this is the end of one era, I hope it's the beginning of another. I want to extend a hearty "thank you" to all solvers who have subscribed over the years. If you're not a current subscriber but would like to be added to a mailing list so you can be updated on future Rows Garden offerings, just send me an email. And do come back each month to solve the free variety puzzles - I'll be back in just a few days for the annual Thanksgiving Twists & Turns!

Yours in solving,

-Andrew

Candy Boxes (Contest)

Candy Boxes - PDF | Solution (PDF)

It's time for another Boxes puzzle, and this time it's a contest! Special for the Halloween season, it's called "Candy Boxes." The instructions are included, and when completed, the letters not used in Boxes entries will suggest the name of a one-word candy brand. Email this candy brand by next Thursday, November 7th. I'll randomly select two solvers from correct submissions, one current subscriber and one current non-subscriber. Winners will win a three-month subscription (or three-month extension, if already subscribed) to Aries Rows Garden. I'll post the solution as well as announce the winners next week after the deadline. Hope you enjoy!

11/8/24 UPDATE: Thanks to all solvers who submitted an answer! Out of 89 correct entries, the two winners are Frank Broll and Kay Whitman! Congratulations to you both, and thanks again for all entrants. The solution has now been attached above. 

Also, S8: A Section Eight Puzzle Pack has been officially released, so be sure to scoop up a copy if you haven't already. And, the October monthly bundle for Aries Rows Garden is now available. A subscription to Aries Rows Garden is always available if you don't want to wait for the bundles.

Happy solving!