Off The Table September 17, 2023 (META)

Puzzles from one of the best in the business which include themed crosswords and metas.
Sunday Crossword by Evan Birnholz
Washington Post Sunday puzzle reveals.
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hcbirker
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Off The Table September 17, 2023 (META)

#1

Post by hcbirker »

Off the Table

The answer to this week's metapuzzle is a two word phrase.
Heidi
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SamKat9
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#2

Post by SamKat9 »

Great puzzle! I had some trouble with one of the theme entries, but I enjoyed the meta-mechanism!
Shannon 🐱
PS: If you want help with a meta, PM what you have so I can help without spoiling too much. I've received lots of help in the beginning and I love to pay it forward!
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ChrisKochmanski
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#3

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

SamKat9 wrote: Sun Sep 17, 2023 10:21 am Great puzzle! I had some trouble with one of the theme entries, but I enjoyed the meta-mechanism!
Ditto. I’m sure it was the same theme entry I stumbled on. Much fun!
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MMe
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#4

Post by MMe »

My favorite Birnholz to date!
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boharr
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#5

Post by boharr »

Consistently fun and elegant puzzles. Thanks, Evan.
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KayW
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#6

Post by KayW »

Solved - very clever construction! Thanks.
Katiedid
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#7

Post by Katiedid »

My favorite meta subject! Loved it.
I was almost finished with the grid before I finally got what was going on, tho. :)
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hcbirker
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#8

Post by hcbirker »

Very fun meta. Thanks Evan!
Heidi
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iggystan
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#9

Post by iggystan »

Even though I “quit” the WSJ metas, I still try these. Not too tough and enjoyable meta from Evan. I enjoy his normal Sunday puzzles as well.
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BarbaraK
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#10

Post by BarbaraK »

Thanks for posting as I might not have found this otherwise.

Fun meta. Wasn’t the first thing I thought it would be, but my second idea worked out.
If you want help with a meta, feel free to PM me. The more specific you are about what you have and what you want, the more likely I can help without spoiling.

(And if I help you win a mug, I’ll be especially delighted.)
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whimsy
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#11

Post by whimsy »

Once I realized that the letters I had rounded up were never going to spell out anything :lol:
I twigged the actual metanism.
Thanks, Evan!
Schmeel
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#12

Post by Schmeel »

Great puzzle!
I enjoyed the meta, but as usual the grid was a pleasure to fill. I'm amazed every time how fillable it even if I'm not familiar with all of the entries. Sometimes patience is needed, but ultimately I can usually find a way to crack a tough corner open. I can only imagine how much effort goes into keeping the crosses fair.
Thanks for the puzzle!
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Abide
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#13

Post by Abide »

Took a day to digest, but really nice payoff. Logical, fair steps.

Now to read the whiny WP comments section.... :P
The site is just a web page, a meeting place, a clubhouse - it's the group that's special.
—Brian MacDonald
Laura M
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#14

Post by Laura M »

Loved it!
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DrTom
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#15

Post by DrTom »

Wow, another EB masterpiece. I was very lost until I started to notice something, then two or three steps later an answer, and might I add a very logical and pleasing answer, appeared. These Meta Masters always make me feel sooooo inadequate. Ah well, so do master chefs and it doesn't stop me from eating at their restaurants!!!
NUDGES!I am always willing to give nudges where needed; metas should be about fun, not frustration. Send me what you have done so far because often you are closer than you think!
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benchen71
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#16

Post by benchen71 »

After @DrTom's rave review during the zoom call today, I went off and did this one. I'm not a fan of weekend puzzles, so I just revealed the grid and dove into the meta. Great aha moment! :D
Check out "The MOAT Mini Pack of Marching Bands" here. US$5 gets you 7 Marching Bands which, hard enough on their own, now contain metas too. And once again there's a mega-meta! :D
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boharr
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#17

Post by boharr »

As always creative and smooth.
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