Sowmya Ramkumar
@somsram.bsky.social
Puzzle Editor @Amuselabs Cryptics for #minutecryptic, #the_hindu, #Hindustantimes, Minis on #BostonGlobe, #theindiamini Author - #crypticcrossroads Vol. 1,2 & 3, CFA
Charterholder
Charterholder
#1ACGrids www.1across.org/2025/11/16/g...
Our twenty-first grid for this season is “Gentlemen” from “Avtaar”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 28th November 2025.
Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, 29th November, 2025.
Our twenty-first grid for this season is “Gentlemen” from “Avtaar”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 28th November 2025.
Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, 29th November, 2025.
Gentlemen
Our twenty-first grid for this season is “Gentlemen” from “Avtaar”. Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 28th November 2025. All those who submit ent…
www.1across.org
November 16, 2025 at 12:01 PM
#1ACGrids www.1across.org/2025/11/16/g...
Our twenty-first grid for this season is “Gentlemen” from “Avtaar”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 28th November 2025.
Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, 29th November, 2025.
Our twenty-first grid for this season is “Gentlemen” from “Avtaar”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 28th November 2025.
Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, 29th November, 2025.
Don’t forget to post your clue for “COMPLY” in this week’s cryptic clue contest
#1ACCWC 545
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/09/1...
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/09/1...
1ACCWC 545 – COMPLY – OPEN for CLUES
This week’s contest is hosted by Veera Raghavan who won 1ACCWC 544 – MACHINE, his 3rd win moving him up to #14 in the hotly contested 2025 1ACCWC leader board For 1ACCWC 545, he’s cho…
www.1across.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Don’t forget to post your clue for “COMPLY” in this week’s cryptic clue contest
Reposted by Sowmya Ramkumar
I wrote a blog post for @mycrossword.co.uk about how setters can identify and calibrate how difficult (or otherwise) their own puzzles are:
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
The Difficulty Dial · MyCrossword
As a cryptic crossword setter you don't always know exactly how difficult or otherwise your own puzzle is - they're all easy when you know the answers! And e...
www.mycrossword.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I wrote a blog post for @mycrossword.co.uk about how setters can identify and calibrate how difficult (or otherwise) their own puzzles are:
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/the-dif...
If you’re a setter, an aspiring setter or just curious as to how these things work - give it 4 minutes of your time! 😊
Reposted by Sowmya Ramkumar
Wordle puzzle created by Somsram 4/6
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November 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Wordle puzzle created by Somsram 4/6
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Can you solve my Wordle?
Set a 4 letter word since it reminded me of good ol’ “Alpha Beta” that we used to play in childhood introduced to us by my brother.
With some practice, didn’t even need pen and paper to track the Alphas (greens) and Betas (Yellows)
www.nytimes.com/games/create...
Set a 4 letter word since it reminded me of good ol’ “Alpha Beta” that we used to play in childhood introduced to us by my brother.
With some practice, didn’t even need pen and paper to track the Alphas (greens) and Betas (Yellows)
www.nytimes.com/games/create...
Wordle Puzzle Created By Somsram
Choose a word for friends to guess, then share your own puzzle.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Can you solve my Wordle?
Set a 4 letter word since it reminded me of good ol’ “Alpha Beta” that we used to play in childhood introduced to us by my brother.
With some practice, didn’t even need pen and paper to track the Alphas (greens) and Betas (Yellows)
www.nytimes.com/games/create...
Set a 4 letter word since it reminded me of good ol’ “Alpha Beta” that we used to play in childhood introduced to us by my brother.
With some practice, didn’t even need pen and paper to track the Alphas (greens) and Betas (Yellows)
www.nytimes.com/games/create...
#1ACCWC 545
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/09/1...
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/09/1...
1ACCWC 545 – COMPLY – OPEN for CLUES
This week’s contest is hosted by Veera Raghavan who won 1ACCWC 544 – MACHINE, his 3rd win moving him up to #14 in the hotly contested 2025 1ACCWC leader board For 1ACCWC 545, he’s cho…
www.1across.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:03 PM
#1ACCWC 545
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/09/1...
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/09/1...
One of those days when I have puzzles out in as many as 5 publications - 3 mini puzzles and 2 cryptics. Try them all
Sample clues
They guide drivers parking in new / old Madras (4,4) #hindu #crossword #hypatia
Kind of rocking chair and desk (10) #HTcrossword #enigmaya
Sample clues
They guide drivers parking in new / old Madras (4,4) #hindu #crossword #hypatia
Kind of rocking chair and desk (10) #HTcrossword #enigmaya
November 4, 2025 at 7:18 AM
One of those days when I have puzzles out in as many as 5 publications - 3 mini puzzles and 2 cryptics. Try them all
Sample clues
They guide drivers parking in new / old Madras (4,4) #hindu #crossword #hypatia
Kind of rocking chair and desk (10) #HTcrossword #enigmaya
Sample clues
They guide drivers parking in new / old Madras (4,4) #hindu #crossword #hypatia
Kind of rocking chair and desk (10) #HTcrossword #enigmaya
So happy to see my 150th cryptic crossword published in The Hindu today.
It took over six years to achieve this milestone making it extra sweet!
#cryptic #crossword
@enigmatistelgar.bsky.social @derekharrison.bsky.social @lrlr.bsky.social @jonathanancer.bsky.social
It took over six years to achieve this milestone making it extra sweet!
#cryptic #crossword
@enigmatistelgar.bsky.social @derekharrison.bsky.social @lrlr.bsky.social @jonathanancer.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 2:52 PM
So happy to see my 150th cryptic crossword published in The Hindu today.
It took over six years to achieve this milestone making it extra sweet!
#cryptic #crossword
@enigmatistelgar.bsky.social @derekharrison.bsky.social @lrlr.bsky.social @jonathanancer.bsky.social
It took over six years to achieve this milestone making it extra sweet!
#cryptic #crossword
@enigmatistelgar.bsky.social @derekharrison.bsky.social @lrlr.bsky.social @jonathanancer.bsky.social
#1ACGrids
Our twentieth grid for this season is “Dictation” from “Mathrix”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 14th November 2025.
Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, 15th November, 2025.
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/d...
Our twentieth grid for this season is “Dictation” from “Mathrix”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 14th November 2025.
Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, 15th November, 2025.
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/d...
Dictation
Our twentieth grid for this season is “Dictation” from “Mathrix”. Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 14th November 2025. All those who submit entri…
www.1across.org
November 2, 2025 at 12:46 PM
#1ACGrids
Our twentieth grid for this season is “Dictation” from “Mathrix”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 14th November 2025.
Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, 15th November, 2025.
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/d...
Our twentieth grid for this season is “Dictation” from “Mathrix”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 14th November 2025.
Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, 15th November, 2025.
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/d...
#1ACCWC 544
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/1...
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/1...
1ACCWC 544 – MACHINE – OPEN for CLUES
This week’s contest is hosted by Satyen Nabar who won 1ACCWC 543 – RELOCATING, his 9th win consolidating his top spot in the hotly contested 2025 1ACCWC leader board For 1ACCWC 544, he…
www.1across.org
November 2, 2025 at 7:27 AM
#1ACCWC 544
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/1...
New #cryptic #crossword #clue contest is up at 1Across.org
All are welcome to participate.
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/1...
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/1...
Congrats @q.pheevr.ca @sitterxwords.bsky.social @magusurfe.bsky.social @clairebennie.bsky.social .
Thanks for hosting relocating while relocating Abhay Phadnis
Congrats @q.pheevr.ca @sitterxwords.bsky.social @magusurfe.bsky.social @clairebennie.bsky.social .
Thanks for hosting relocating while relocating Abhay Phadnis
1ACCWC 543 – RELOCATING – Results
Abhay Phadnis hosted the previous contest and here’s my summary on his behalf since he is actually relocating. We got a good response for 1ACCWC 543 with clues from 24 setters. 28 people had …
www.1across.org
November 2, 2025 at 6:49 AM
www.1across.org/2025/11/02/1...
Congrats @q.pheevr.ca @sitterxwords.bsky.social @magusurfe.bsky.social @clairebennie.bsky.social .
Thanks for hosting relocating while relocating Abhay Phadnis
Congrats @q.pheevr.ca @sitterxwords.bsky.social @magusurfe.bsky.social @clairebennie.bsky.social .
Thanks for hosting relocating while relocating Abhay Phadnis
#1ACCWC 543
www.1across.org/2025/10/31/1...
Time to vote folks - any one interested can vote. All those who have posted clues must vote as per the rules of the contest. Pl. vote before the Sunday morning deadline.
www.1across.org/2025/10/31/1...
Time to vote folks - any one interested can vote. All those who have posted clues must vote as per the rules of the contest. Pl. vote before the Sunday morning deadline.
1ACCWC 543 – RELOCATING – Voting OPEN
We closed the contest with 24 clues, three more than the previous contest. Voting is now OPEN CLICK HERE to cast your votes All participants who set clues are expected to vote. You are not allowed…
www.1across.org
November 1, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Reposted by Sowmya Ramkumar
The November challenge from the Crossword Centre is Nonsense by Craft.
crosswordcentre.blogspot.com/2025/10/nove...
crosswordcentre.blogspot.com/2025/10/nove...
November 2025 Nonsense by Craft
Nonsense by Craft For nine symmetrically-placed entries, definitions in clues lead to an answer which must be treated before entry. Wordplay...
crosswordcentre.blogspot.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:09 AM
The November challenge from the Crossword Centre is Nonsense by Craft.
crosswordcentre.blogspot.com/2025/10/nove...
crosswordcentre.blogspot.com/2025/10/nove...
#1ACCWC 543
www.1across.org/2025/10/31/1...
Time to vote folks - any one interested can vote. All those who have posted clues must vote as per the rules of the contest. Pl. vote before the Sunday morning deadline.
www.1across.org/2025/10/31/1...
Time to vote folks - any one interested can vote. All those who have posted clues must vote as per the rules of the contest. Pl. vote before the Sunday morning deadline.
1ACCWC 543 – RELOCATING – Voting OPEN
We closed the contest with 24 clues, three more than the previous contest. Voting is now OPEN CLICK HERE to cast your votes All participants who set clues are expected to vote. You are not allowed…
www.1across.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:26 AM
#1ACCWC 543
www.1across.org/2025/10/31/1...
Time to vote folks - any one interested can vote. All those who have posted clues must vote as per the rules of the contest. Pl. vote before the Sunday morning deadline.
www.1across.org/2025/10/31/1...
Time to vote folks - any one interested can vote. All those who have posted clues must vote as per the rules of the contest. Pl. vote before the Sunday morning deadline.
#1ACCWC 543
Have you set a #cryptic #clue for this week’s contest yet? Closing tomorrow..
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
#contest
Have you set a #cryptic #clue for this week’s contest yet? Closing tomorrow..
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
#contest
1ACCWC 542 – BROADCAST – OPEN for CLUES
This week’s contest is hosted by Textrous who won 1ACCWC 541 – OPULENCE consolidating his #2 spot in the hotly contested 2025 1ACCWC leader board For 1ACCWC 542, he’s chosen “BRO…
www.1across.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:51 PM
#1ACCWC 543
Have you set a #cryptic #clue for this week’s contest yet? Closing tomorrow..
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
#contest
Have you set a #cryptic #clue for this week’s contest yet? Closing tomorrow..
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
#contest
#1ACCWC 542
Here are the results. Congrats to the Abhay, Ramki, @polslaw.bsky.social @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social @sitterxwords.bsky.social and other toppers.
Thanks for hosting Textrous
www.1across.org/2025/10/26/1...
Here are the results. Congrats to the Abhay, Ramki, @polslaw.bsky.social @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social @sitterxwords.bsky.social and other toppers.
Thanks for hosting Textrous
www.1across.org/2025/10/26/1...
1ACCWC 542 – BROADCAST – Results
Textrous hosted the previous contest and here’s his summary of the results. The cryptic clue writing competition for BROADCAST saw participation from 21 setters. I’d have hoped for a few more…
www.1across.org
October 26, 2025 at 8:53 AM
#1ACCWC 542
Here are the results. Congrats to the Abhay, Ramki, @polslaw.bsky.social @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social @sitterxwords.bsky.social and other toppers.
Thanks for hosting Textrous
www.1across.org/2025/10/26/1...
Here are the results. Congrats to the Abhay, Ramki, @polslaw.bsky.social @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social @sitterxwords.bsky.social and other toppers.
Thanks for hosting Textrous
www.1across.org/2025/10/26/1...
#1ACCWC 542 https://
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite clues this week.
Anyone is welcome to vote but all participants are required to vote as per the rules of the contest.
@lowdowncryptic.bsky.social
@belaircon.bsky.social
www.1across.org/2025/10/24/1accwc-542-broadcast-voting-open/
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite clues this week.
Anyone is welcome to vote but all participants are required to vote as per the rules of the contest.
@lowdowncryptic.bsky.social
@belaircon.bsky.social
www.1across.org/2025/10/24/1accwc-542-broadcast-voting-open/
1ACCWC 542 – BROADCAST – Voting OPEN
We closed the contest with 21 clues, one more than the previous contest. Voting is now OPEN CLICK HERE to cast your votes All participants who set clues are expected to vote. You are not allowed t…
www.1across.org
October 25, 2025 at 3:10 PM
#1ACCWC 542 https://
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite clues this week.
Anyone is welcome to vote but all participants are required to vote as per the rules of the contest.
@lowdowncryptic.bsky.social
@belaircon.bsky.social
www.1across.org/2025/10/24/1accwc-542-broadcast-voting-open/
Don’t forget to vote for your favourite clues this week.
Anyone is welcome to vote but all participants are required to vote as per the rules of the contest.
@lowdowncryptic.bsky.social
@belaircon.bsky.social
www.1across.org/2025/10/24/1accwc-542-broadcast-voting-open/
#1ACCWC 542
Have you set a #cryptic #clue for this week’s contest yet? Closing tomorrow..
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
Have you set a #cryptic #clue for this week’s contest yet? Closing tomorrow..
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
1ACCWC 542 – BROADCAST – OPEN for CLUES
This week’s contest is hosted by Textrous who won 1ACCWC 541 – OPULENCE consolidating his #2 spot in the hotly contested 2025 1ACCWC leader board For 1ACCWC 542, he’s chosen “BRO…
www.1across.org
October 23, 2025 at 11:27 AM
#1ACCWC 542
Have you set a #cryptic #clue for this week’s contest yet? Closing tomorrow..
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
Have you set a #cryptic #clue for this week’s contest yet? Closing tomorrow..
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
youtu.be/5Il3Jl_G_3Y?...
Uploaded this #video solve of Samurai’s Puzzle (#HT 22nd October) (Samit Kallianpur). Check it out if you are interested in #cryptic #crosswords #YouTube or learning to solve them
Uploaded this #video solve of Samurai’s Puzzle (#HT 22nd October) (Samit Kallianpur). Check it out if you are interested in #cryptic #crosswords #YouTube or learning to solve them
Solve As You Go - Samurai HT 22nd Oct 25
YouTube video by Sowmya Ramkumar
youtu.be
October 23, 2025 at 7:45 AM
youtu.be/5Il3Jl_G_3Y?...
Uploaded this #video solve of Samurai’s Puzzle (#HT 22nd October) (Samit Kallianpur). Check it out if you are interested in #cryptic #crosswords #YouTube or learning to solve them
Uploaded this #video solve of Samurai’s Puzzle (#HT 22nd October) (Samit Kallianpur). Check it out if you are interested in #cryptic #crosswords #YouTube or learning to solve them
#1ACCWC 541 www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
Congrats @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social @sitterxwords.bsky.social @polslaw.bsky.social and others on the podium 👏👏
Congrats @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social @sitterxwords.bsky.social @polslaw.bsky.social and others on the podium 👏👏
1ACCWC 541 – OPULENCE – Results
Amrita hosted the previous contest and here’s her summary of the results. We finished this week’s contest with 20 clues and 23 voters ‘Couple’ dominated the word play! Coming in 5th is Kalyan…
www.1across.org
October 21, 2025 at 2:58 PM
#1ACCWC 541 www.1across.org/2025/10/19/1...
Congrats @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social @sitterxwords.bsky.social @polslaw.bsky.social and others on the podium 👏👏
Congrats @lowdowncryptic.bsky.social @sitterxwords.bsky.social @polslaw.bsky.social and others on the podium 👏👏
Here’s my second #cryptic for October as #Enigmaya in Hindustan Times today.
Sample clue
Patronisingly elaborate name in mother's patent (9)
www.hindustantimes.com/games/crypti...
@derekharrison.bsky.social @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social @lrlr.bsky.social @jonathanancer.bsky.social
Sample clue
Patronisingly elaborate name in mother's patent (9)
www.hindustantimes.com/games/crypti...
@derekharrison.bsky.social @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social @lrlr.bsky.social @jonathanancer.bsky.social
a man in a black jacket stands in front of a bookshelf with a red sign that says " stop " on it
ALT: a man in a black jacket stands in front of a bookshelf with a red sign that says " stop " on it
media.tenor.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Here’s my second #cryptic for October as #Enigmaya in Hindustan Times today.
Sample clue
Patronisingly elaborate name in mother's patent (9)
www.hindustantimes.com/games/crypti...
@derekharrison.bsky.social @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social @lrlr.bsky.social @jonathanancer.bsky.social
Sample clue
Patronisingly elaborate name in mother's patent (9)
www.hindustantimes.com/games/crypti...
@derekharrison.bsky.social @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social @lrlr.bsky.social @jonathanancer.bsky.social
youtu.be/0PDmW3bZiaY
#1ACGrids The solutions are up in the #1Across blog. Check how you did or give it a go if you havent solved it yet.
Thanks Aquifer for a fun grid.
#1ACGrids The solutions are up in the #1Across blog. Check how you did or give it a go if you havent solved it yet.
Thanks Aquifer for a fun grid.
Forest Folk by Aquifer
YouTube video by Sowmya Ramkumar
youtu.be
October 19, 2025 at 7:07 AM
youtu.be/0PDmW3bZiaY
#1ACGrids The solutions are up in the #1Across blog. Check how you did or give it a go if you havent solved it yet.
Thanks Aquifer for a fun grid.
#1ACGrids The solutions are up in the #1Across blog. Check how you did or give it a go if you havent solved it yet.
Thanks Aquifer for a fun grid.
#1ACGrids
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/d...
Our nineteenth grid for this season is “Dispelling Darkness” from “Metacryptix”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 31st October 2025.
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/d...
Our nineteenth grid for this season is “Dispelling Darkness” from “Metacryptix”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 31st October 2025.
Dispelling Darkness
Our nineteenth grid for this season is “Dispelling Darkness” from “Metacryptix”. Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 31st October 2025. All those wh…
www.1across.org
October 19, 2025 at 7:01 AM
#1ACGrids
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/d...
Our nineteenth grid for this season is “Dispelling Darkness” from “Metacryptix”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 31st October 2025.
www.1across.org/2025/10/19/d...
Our nineteenth grid for this season is “Dispelling Darkness” from “Metacryptix”.
Answers can be submitted by anyone who wishes to participate, on or before EOD 31st October 2025.
#1ACCWC 541 – OPULENCE - OPEN for CLUES www.1across.org/2025/10/12/1... via @somsram
#cryptic #clue #contest This week’s word is OPULENCE. Have you submitted a clue yet?
#cryptic #clue #contest This week’s word is OPULENCE. Have you submitted a clue yet?
1ACCWC 541 – OPULENCE – OPEN for CLUES
This week’s contest is hosted by Amrita Majumdar who won 1ACCWC 540 – EXPLICIT – her first win in this year’s 1ACCWC taking her to the #14 spot in the hotly contested 2025…
www.1across.org
October 16, 2025 at 12:14 PM
#1ACCWC 541 – OPULENCE - OPEN for CLUES www.1across.org/2025/10/12/1... via @somsram
#cryptic #clue #contest This week’s word is OPULENCE. Have you submitted a clue yet?
#cryptic #clue #contest This week’s word is OPULENCE. Have you submitted a clue yet?