Alphabetical Jigsaw
Also known as:
This puzzle resembles a crossword, but is technically a hybrid, combining elements of a crossword and a fitword. The puzzle is in two parts. First of all, there are clues to be solved, in straightforward crossword fashion. Secondly, the answers must be placed in the grid. There will be only one way to fit the answers in the grid.
Another peculiarity of this puzzle is the style of the clues, which consist of rhyming couplets, often of a mildly cryptic nature.
A symmetrical, crossword-style grid is used for the 26 answers. Sometimes the grid contains clue numbers; these are not required, unless the solution is provided as text rather than in grid format.
There is a version of this puzzle with straight rather than rhyming clues. It is also possible to have crosswords with rhyming couplets for clues.
The puzzle appeared for the first time in magazine format in the August 1973 issue of Puzzler. A version of this puzzle, created by John Galbraith Graham (Araucaria) may have appeared in The Guardian at an earlier date, but this has not been verified.