Five large

Ooh! The top prize at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament has increased to $5,000. Second place gets $600, which might cover the costs of airfare, hotel, and registration; the rest of the prizes are smaller. And most competitors, of course, find it a money-losing (but highly entertaining) venture.

Are the Norwegian-style crosswords featured in the Friday-evening activity the same as Frank Longo's Puzzle Pointers in Games? This magazine cover suggests they are.

Five grand!