portrait by Dave Howard

Welcome to my cryptic crossword website! My name is Ron Sweet; I’m Kegler in the National Puzzlers’ League (aka the NPL). I construct puzzles under both monikers.

Presented here are both bar-style and block-style cryptic crosswords, written by me and edited by my good friend Marilyn Castle. A solution page is provided for each puzzle (linked at the bottom of the HTML version).

• Bar-style Puzzles
• Block-style Puzzles
• Beginner Puzzles:
  • Mrs. Taylor’s class
  • Mr. Zellman’s class

If you are unfamiliar with cryptic crosswords, Theresa Cunningham’s excellent Guide to Solving Cryptic Crosswords helps explain how they work. You might also want to try some of the Beginner Puzzles. The other two links lead to puzzles for more experienced solvers.

On November 9, 2007, I was a contestant on Merv Griffin’s Crosswords. For anyone interested, courtesy of Nancy Shack, my part of the show (sans commercials) is available for viewing on YouTube:

• Ron Sweet on Merv Griffin’s Crosswords - Part 1
• Ron Sweet on Merv Griffin’s Crosswords - Part 2

Feedback is very welcome! Encouraged, even. I always appreciate hearing from solvers; it provides confirmation that the puzzles are being solved, which for me as the constructor is the whole point. So please feel free to send me a private e-mail if the mood strikes you.

Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed your visit and will return.