DEF JAM WSJ Cryptic

[oldjudge]

This weeks WSJ variety puzzle is a hex by Cox and Rathvon. I thought it was very well done and a lot of fun. If anyone needs help with word plays feel free to message me.

[Meg]

I’m working my way through it slowly and really enjoying the challenge. Need to brush up on my pig Latin. Done! Thanks to @oldjudge, who helped with the one I couldn't crack. Sometimes my brain just gets stuck on one thing. I'm with @KayW. What does the title mean?

[ChrisKochmanski]

Wow, that was my favorite HEX in some time. I suppose what could have made it even better was to yield some kind of final answer, but I’m not seeing how the multiple mechanisms could have done that.

What fun!

[TMart]

This was really incredible - a double cryptic! Lots of fun.

[KayW]

This was really incredible - a double cryptic! Lots of fun.

A triple cryptic for me I am still trying to decipher how the title comes into play. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to ask if someone can explain that?

I’m also still struggling with two of the entries, but want to let them simmer on my brain’s back burner a while longer before asking for help there. I know which “flavor” each must be and the likely answers based on crosses, but haven’t been able to crack them just yet.

A most fun way to start the day.

[Miki]

I got the grid completed minus one letter. I have 6 of each type, and 5 spoonerisms. Which means the one clue I can't solve most be a spoonerism, but it just doesn't look right. I need a nudge. Since I already mentioned spoonerism, I won't put in the clue number, unless you pm me and offer help.

[Miki]

A triple cryptic for me I am still trying to decipher how the title comes into play. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to ask if someone can explain that?

Title explained : In each clue the def is jam(med)

[KayW]

A triple cryptic for me I am still trying to decipher how the title comes into play. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to ask if someone can explain that?

Title explained : In each clue the def is jam(med)

Doh! of course. Very clever - thanks!

[Richard B.]

I got the grid completed minus one letter. I have 6 of each type, and 5 spoonerisms. Which means the one clue I can't solve most be a spoonerism, but it just doesn't look right. I need a nudge. Since I already mentioned spoonerism, I won't put in the clue number, unless you pm me and offer help.

my six spoonerisms were 23A, 29A, 4D, 6D, 13D and 20D

[Tom Wilson]

What fun, indeed! I do love a variety puzzle that gives my aging brain a good workout, be it Patrick Berry or Cox & Rathvon. (And I concur with Richard B. on his nudge to Miki.)

[Barney]

Whoa

Literally

[Dannyvee]

Really enjoyed this- quite a brain workout

[Miki]

Thank you Richard B. Your spoiler list was very helpful. Found my uncounted spoonerism, and found the correct/ uncounted mechanism. Now I'm done!

[Jacksull]

As usual, awesome puzzle from Cox and Rathvon.

I have been trying to find out if they plan to continue to publish puzzles. They no longer work with the Boston Globe and they stopped offering acrostics for the NYT. I was very happy to see this puzzle appear and hope to see many more.

Has anyone seen any official announcements about them? They tend to be cryptic (ahem) in their own communications.

[DebbieC]

Absolutely loved this puzzle. I've been doing cryptics for years and especially enjoy HEX. They've outdone themselves with this one. Finally got the whole grid late last night and just finally figured out how the last 2 mechanisms worked. So sly!!!
Glad to give nudges/hints to those who want them.

[Berto]

Agree with the above. 11ac gave me a headache for some reason… and 7dn a def(jam) google…
Loved it!

[jenirvin]

I approached thinking "never gonna get it." But things started falling into place and became quite fun.

[iggystan]

Printed this out after coming home from family gathering in OH. This was a fun one; I think I did one by HEX similar to this quite a while ago. Nice challenge.