SQUARE CHASE: TABLE FOR TWO

[oldjudge]

An interesting variety cryptic by Steve Mossberg. I found the word play to be difficult in places and, given that at least initially you are unsure of the fill length, that made the grid a grind for me. Finding two alternate answers that seemed to fit well slowed me down also. However, once I got a about half of the grid done the rest went pretty quickly. The puzzle gimmick is very easy but at the same time quite creative. All in all, a fun solve.

[Richard B.]

Agree with oldjudge. Steve calls this “a gentler challenge overall.” Hmmm. Steve, you had me at “challenge”, forget the “gentler.”
A satisfying solve overall. Had to check the parsing of 3d and 24d after completing the grid. These were quite clever. I have to remember the mechanism for 3d. It comes up on occasion. 24d was simply devilish.