Ben Tausig tweets:
For a few days, the AVCX is giving away its four 2017 Orca-winning/nominated puzzles.
Send a blank email to [email protected] with AWARDS in the subject line to get some brilliant crosswords by Josh Knapp,
@fheaney, and@AimeeLucido for free.
Welcome, everyone, to the 2017 Orca Awards! It’s the seventh annual celebration of outstanding achievement in crossword construction and editing from puzzles published in 2017. Below the fold you’ll read about some amazing crosswords as we discuss the nominees and present awards in nine separate categories, including the Margaret Farrar Award for Constructor of the Year, and the coveted award for Best Crossword. A reminder, folks: please, no wagering.
As you read through the 9,000+ words that follow, keep in mind that the selection process is extraordinarily difficult. Preliminary nominees within each category are selected based on a combination of the star ratings awarded by readers of this site, the Selection Committee’s own assessment of underrated puzzles, and a consideration of puzzles not reviewed on this site. Like the Oscars and March Madness, there are bound to be some worthy puzzles that get snubbed. Advance apologies to anyone who feels left out, especially since the Orcas are about not about classifying puzzles as winners or losers. The Orcas are about showering love on some great puzzles and hopefully inspiring constructors and editors to continue innovating.
On with the show! We start with the award for Best Easy Crossword of 2017.