Sat Sep 13 18:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the New York Times crossword puzzle debut by Alex Jiang:
**Chicagoan Alex Jiang Wows With Tricky New York Times Crossword Debut**
NEW YORK – Alex Jiang, a newcomer from Chicago, has made a splash with his debut crossword puzzle in The New York Times. Published today, the puzzle is described as a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience for solvers.
The puzzle is characterized by difficult triple-stacked entries, particularly in the Across section, with some clues requiring backtracking and careful consideration. One standout clue is for the answer LUDOVICO EINAUDI, the Italian pianist, whose minimalist compositions inspired Jiang. Jiang credits Einaudi’s “Nuvole Bianche” with helping him through stressful college all-nighters. The puzzle also features the colloquial phrase “PLUM TUCKERED OUT,” which, despite some debate over its spelling, adds to the puzzle’s unique flavor.
Despite the challenges, the puzzle has a quick feel, aided by shorter entries in the center. The reviewer suggests focusing on the Down clues for traction. One particularly surprising clue reveals that COCAINE is the solution referred to in Sherlock Holmes’s “seven-per-cent solution.”
Jiang expressed gratitude to his friends and, of course, Ludovico Einaudi.
The New York Times Crossword accepts submissions through their website, encouraging aspiring constructors to submit their own puzzles.
First Piper 