Crossword Puzzle: Today’s USA TODAY crossword, “Play Your Cards Right,” offers the same fun and challenge as previous editions. Noelle Griskey created the puzzle’s ingenious theme, and Amanda Rafkin edited it, challenging solvers to think creatively.
Dissecting the Theme: Card Connections
The premise of the puzzle revolves around the idea of correctly playing your cards. Each theme entry features a word that pairs with “CARD” to form a well-known phrase:
College Credit → Funny Business → Business Card Sponsored Post → Post Card
This multi-layered wordplay adds even more fun for solvers who understand the clever connection.
Interesting Facts and Prominent Hints
Some important elements from today’s puzzle are as follows:
- ACTS (5A): A reference to the Broadway comedy Oh, Mary!, which retells the story of Mary Todd Lincoln.
- JANE’S (55A) is the name of the musical group Jane’s Addiction, which is recognized for having founded Lollapalooza in 1991.
- TESSA (19A) features actress Tessa Thompson, who portrayed Diane Nash in the historical drama Selma.
- SEVEN (34A) and SIETE (68A) are multilingual math moments that represent the number 7 in both Spanish and English.
- This soda brand’s name, SHASTA (1D), is inspired by Mount Shasta, the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range.
The puzzle also featured classic wordplay and a healthy dose of pop culture references, from Loki of Norse mythology to the nostalgic 90s cartoon Ren & Stimpy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a crossword pro or a casual solver, today’s “Play Your Cards Right” puzzle is a delightful way to exercise your brain. Thanks to Noelle Griskey for the witty construction and to USA TODAY for consistently bringing puzzle joy to readers.
Source: USA Today
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