Here’s Why The Times’s First Crossword Is Nearly Impossible to Solve Today
Even Will Shortz has no trouble admitting that it’s a doozy.
The first-ever crossword puzzle published by The New York Times, released on September 21, 1942, has become a fascinating piece of trivia for puzzle enthusiasts. Interestingly, even the current crossword editor, Will Shortz, acknowledges that it's extremely challenging to solve. This raises questions about how crosswords have evolved over the years and what makes a puzzle solvable for its intended audience.
In the context of the crossword industry, it's not surprising that an early puzzle would be difficult by today's standards. Crosswords have undergone significant changes since their inception, with constructors continually refining their craft and adjusting the level of difficulty to suit reader expectations. The New York Times, in particular, has built a reputation for its rigorous crossword standards, with puzzles that are both engaging and solvable for enthusiasts. The fact that this historic puzzle remains notoriously hard to solve highlights the advancements made in crossword construction.
As crossword enthusiasts and historians continue to explore the origins of this popular puzzle form, it's worth watching how The New York Times chooses to commemorate its rich history. Will the publication release more vintage puzzles, or provide insight into the evolution of its crossword program? Additionally, puzzle solvers may be interested in learning more about the techniques used to construct early crosswords and how they've influenced modern puzzle design.
Originally reported by nytimes.com. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.