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How to Solve the New York Times Crossword
I have a forty-day streak. Here’s what you need to know
As of this writing, I have a forty-three day streak solving the New York Times crossword. Let me share with you some tips and tricks that will help you become an expert crossword puzzle solver.
Tip #1: Understand the degrees of difficulty
Not every crossword is as difficult as every other. In the New York Times, crosswords get more difficult as the week progresses. Monday is the easiest. Saturday and Sunday are the hardest. I can do a Monday in less than seven minutes. Saturday and Sunday often take me thirty minutes to an hour.
Maybe you’ve tried a Thursday or Friday crossword and given up because it was too difficult. Not to worry. Focus on solving the Mondays and Tuesdays for now, until you get more of a feel for it, and then work your way up.
In truth, Sunday’s clues are probably no harder than Friday’s. Maybe even less so. But there are a lot more of them. Sunday’s puzzle often takes as long as Saturday or longer just because it’s a lot bigger.
Tip #2: Pay attention to the clue
What do I mean by “pay attention to the clue”? It’s simple. If a clue is plural, the answer will…