PortalsOS

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.

Richie reflects on the unpredictability of life and career, noting that many successful people he knows did not follow a traditional path but found success through unique opportunities and perseverance.

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.

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.

Working at the New York Times, you often hear from people in your life about puzzles they didn't like. It becomes a part of the job to receive and consider this feedback.

Sam can do this. No, we all can do this to variable. I can't. I need to use my fingers. Wait, is this a prerequisite for being a puzzle editor? You have to be. Sam is not normal.