I am a big fan of the New York Times Sunday crossword.
Most times I’ll print out a copy, find a spot to plunk down at, and work through with an accompanying cup of coffee.
Sometimes I’ll start with the across hints and move through in numerical order.
More often than not, however, I find myself wanting to checking answers which I believe work for an across hint prior to filling them in, testing the down guesses that intersect as verification.
At this point the puzzle experience averages a 45-60 minute affair if things going smoothly.
It’s common that I am left with two or three answers I am not sure about. Sometimes one or two that evade my knowledge. And the occasional missing of an entire block (e.g. a few intersecting in a corner somewhere).
Like anything else it takes practice. There are some tips and tricks and strategies involved in solving an NYT crossword beyond just “knowing the answer.”
It all started with the paper print version of a folded newspaper beckoning from my father’s spot at the table.
He’d stretch the enjoyment of the puzzle through a leisurely week-long experience to savor over multiple days and multiple coffees.
I’d check to see if there were any - even one - hint that I could fill in.
If there were one or two that I could “contribute” I would (he wouldn’t notice one or two additions, right?).
After a while I found myself filling in three … four … perhaps a corner he “missed” and satisfied in being able to “help” him in completing the puzzle.
(Faux pas - don’t offer assistance with crosswords unless asked for - and definitely don’t just start filling in another person’s puzzle!)
It took a while, however, before the daunting blank slate became approachable and I was able to begin a crossword myself. (At this point I would get my own copy and let my poor dad be.)
Initially it took multiple sittings to even get close to finishing - if even able to complete a crossword before the next week’s would arrive.
After a while a week turned into a few days, and a few into one, and then that one into a couple of hours.
It’s become an enjoyable Sunday morning ritual. A break from the week even though the brain is still being strained.
For the most part it’s an independent - and ideally fulfilling - effort.
If I happen to be out in public with my pen (you gotta commit) to the paper, occasional enthusiasts will voluntarily express a shared interest in working on a crossword, opining on recent difficulties experienced or creativity of the puzzle’s inventor.
(Each week there is a different creator or creators, with a brief blurb about the individual(s) including occupational background and inspiration behind the crossword).
Give it a try - with or without company. You can pick up a copy Sunday morning at various grocery or convenience stores. Or print out online (though you may need a subscription). Or head to your local library and make a photocopy.
Or send me an email and I’ll send you a pdf version!
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In regards to the photograph above …
… you can imagine that I had to pause and appreciate this couple here, perusing the news, discussing amiably over a shared cup of joe between them.
If I ever run into them again I’ll have to give them a copy of this moment that they were gracious enough to share.