Ah, hello, Quiptic solvers!
It’s been such a long time. I hope you’re doing well! I know I haven’t shown up here in a while, but I’ve been busy with a bunch of other stuff. I’m still making my two monthly variety cryptics over at Square Chase (quickly approaching the big 1-0-0!), as well as fun ones for newspapers in the US and UK. I’m also still editing cryptics at AVCX, which is a great time. My co-eds are so fun to work with!
Anyway, I caught a bug a couple of weeks ago and decided it was time to rip out a new set of these for everybody to enjoy. There’s a bit of a manifesto about how my Quiptics work a couple of posts back if you want to go read it, but basically:
These are one-device-per-clue puzzles with an emphasis on natural language, concision, deception, and fair play. They are not particularly easy compared to most North American cryptics, and quite easy compared to most British ones.
They’re intended as a bridge for those who want to learn how to solve subtle, tricky clues. They’re also appealing to my speed-solving friends who like to try to smoke each other while blowing through them head-to-head.
If you choose to see a hint on a clue using the online interface, you’ll be told if it’s an anagram, charade, homophone, or whatever. I hope you enjoy the puzzles!
Every single one of my Quiptic crosswords has been vetted by my trusted crossword bud Will Eisenberg, who makes awesome puzzles in all your favorite venues, as well as for his site Half-Baked Puzzles. Thanks, so much, Will!
Good luck, have fun, see you next time!
-Steve
Square Pursuit 
Hi! Thanks for posting these and all the work you do. Quick nit–
In Quiptic #52, 7a, shouldn’t the enumeration be (7) rather than (4)?
Jutta
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Thanks for the catch! It’s fixed. Wouldn’t be Square Pursuit without an enumeration error or two 🙃!
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Just finished the first of these puzzles (#52), it was excellent. I really liked 10across, very witty and deceptive. These mini puzzles are a great idea, surprisingly challenging. I’m looking forward to solving the remaining puzzles. Thanks very much for creating them.
— Thom
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Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the rest.
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