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.

In puzzle editing, there's a need to draw a line with 'Scrabble words'—those that appear only in unabridged dictionaries. This helps ensure that players can find as many words as possible without getting stuck on obscure terms.

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.

Humor adds to the enjoyment of puzzles. It's a form of communication between the creator and the solver, making the experience more playful and fun.

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.