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A puzzle should be solvable. There's nothing worse than a puzzle that's too hard to complete. We want people to solve our puzzles.

Unpredictability is crucial in puzzles. Unlike Sudoku, which can feel predictable, the excitement comes from discovering new challenges each day.

In crossword puzzles, if a vertical word is particularly difficult, the horizontal clues should be easier to ensure fairness and solvability. This balance helps solvers find a way in, even with challenging elements.

The hallmark of our games is their human touch. You can feel the spark of another human mind, which is lost in auto-generated puzzles.

Hackers are attracted to puzzles and computer security because it offers endless challenges. They often start by reverse engineering and breaking things to learn how they work.

A good puzzle creates a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's the daily jolt from Wordle or cracking a tough crossword theme, feeling achievement is key.

Richie discusses the importance of humor as a survival mechanism, especially during challenging times like the civil rights movement.

One of the really cool things the New York Times puzzle team does is accept crossword submissions from around the country. Anybody can send a puzzle in and you hear back from the editors with feedback.

Joel Faliano reflects on his first experience with New York Times puzzles, where he struggled to solve them and put them aside for two years. He later realized that puzzle-solving is better as a communal and learning activity.

Family members often play New York Times games together, turning it into a ritual where they solve puzzles and discuss the words that should or shouldn't be included.