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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.
Determining the obscurity of a crossword clue is subjective. Editors consider whether a clue is intentionally featured or simply fits the puzzle. A team of seven editors helps ensure a balanced approach, aiming for accessibility across diverse solvers.
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.
Winna Liu shared that when she started solving the New York Times Crossword, she would leave answers blank if she didn't know them, as a form of self-punishment. She now recommends looking up answers to learn and improve.
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.
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.
The New York Times receives upwards of 150 crossword submissions each week from around the world. Editors sort these into categories: immediate rejections, maybes, and accepted puzzles. The editing process primarily involves changing clues rather than altering the puzzle's words.