Games World of Puzzles April 2022

Now that April is here, we can enjoy the longer days and milder weather that we looked forward to all winter. But just because it’s spring doesn’t mean that you can’t make time for puzzles. And, as always, this issue of GAMES WORLD OF PUZZLES is packed with your favorites!

But before we talk about this month’s content, let’s pause to acknowledge a loss to the puzzle community. Back in November, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen Sondheim, the acclaimed Broadway composer and lyricist. Although he is best known for his contributions to the world of musical theater, Sondheim also had a lifelong love of games and puzzles. Less than a year ago, in the May 2021 issue, Sondheim spoke to frequent contributor Andrew Parr; their conversation was chronicled in an article titled “Call Me Steve.” During that conversation, Sondheim revealed that he had never missed an issue of GAMES.

Indeed, an earlier article about Sondheim appeared in the January 1983 issue; it was called “You Can Walk Out of This Magazine Humming His Games” and was written by prominent sportswriter and broadcaster Dick Schaap. Accompanying Schaap’s article was a photo puzzle called “The Murder Game,” which was created by Sondheim himself and based on a real game that he and his famous friends played. In Sondheim’s honor, we have reprinted “The Murder Game” on page 42 of this issue. Can you solve this whodunit?

Speaking of famous folks, Raymond Simon’s “Celebrity Splices” on page 40 challenges you to identify the stars of popular streaming TV series. Sounds easy enough—except that only half of each person’s face is shown! On page 38, you’ll find R. Wayne Schmittberger’s report from the 2021 World Chess Championship, where Norway’s Magnus Carlsen—who has become a celebrity in his own right—defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi to retain the title he has held since 2013.

Highlights of our Pencilwise section include “Cross Purposes” (page 29), a variety crossword by Todd Kreisman in which each clue refers to an answer that is located elsewhere in the puzzle; and “Skyscraper Sudoku” (page 64), an original Sudoku variant by longtime puzzlemaker Rodolfo Kurchan. These and many other fun and challenging puzzles await you, so grab a pencil and start solving!