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SATURDAY PUZZLE — Today’s puzzle comes from Ryan Judge, a creator who has previously given us two themeless puzzles in The New York Times. While this one started as a Friday puzzle, it was later pushed to Saturday—showing just how close the line can be between the two days. I often wonder how things would change if easier themeless puzzles appeared midweek and tougher puzzles came out on Fridays.

The grid today is visually appealing, splitting into five connected sections. This layout offers its own set of challenges, as it’s easy to feel lost in any one area. Each section features at least one tricky trivia question and a few misleading clues. Overall, I’d say it’s a well-crafted puzzle that fits perfectly in the Saturday difficulty range.

Tricky Clues

13A. This clue is a test of your knowledge: [Incan emperor captured by Pizarro’s forces]. The answer is Emperor ATAHUALPA, who ruled for just a year before the Spanish conquest.

16A. The pun here is clever: [In-tents dining experience?]. It made me think of all those outdoor dining setups in New York City during the pandemic. The answer is a STREET FAIR, which can happen anywhere and at any time!

30A. I was lost on this one: [_____ Aran, protagonist in Nintendo’s Metroid]. The answer is SAMUS. After a quick search on its pronunciation, I discovered that both the game and this character have been around since 1986. It’s a classic fandom that some might be surprised not to know!

33A. With some letters filled in, many solvers will get a laugh from this clue: [Snack items that can go to your head]. The answer is POT BROWNIES, which have appeared in past puzzles with similar playful clues.