Alright, let me tell you about my showdown with the NYT crossword puzzle today. “In Your Face NYT Crossword,” that’s what I’m calling it because, man, it really was!
It all started innocently enough. I grabbed my coffee, sat down, and opened up the app. I usually tackle the puzzle during my lunch break, a little brain workout to break up the day. I figured, hey, it’s just a crossword, right? Famous last words.
Things started off smoothly. Got a few of the easy across clues right away. You know, the typical Monday-level stuff that makes you feel like a genius. “EWER,” “AREA,” simple words filled in with satisfying clicks on the screen. But then… bam! The down clues hit me like a ton of bricks.
One clue that totally stumped me was something like “Biblical boat builder.” I was wracking my brain! I was thinking about all sorts of obscure figures, some random guy I learned about in Sunday school 20 years ago, anything! I even tried “NOAH,” but it didn’t fit the squares. Turns out it was “ARKWRIGHT,” which is like… really? That’s a name I haven’t heard since history class. Seriously, who even remembers that guy?
And then there was the classic crossword trickery. I encountered one clue that was something like “What a cat may chase.” I confidently wrote in “MOUSE” right away. Nope! Wrong! It was “LASERDOT.” Sneaky, right? The NYT crossword is known for these kinds of wordplay shenanigans. It always gets me.
I kept plugging away, though. Started looking for other entry points, focusing on the shorter words. Sometimes, getting those little two- and three-letter words can unlock a whole section of the puzzle. That’s when I began picking up steam.
I also relied on my trusty crossword solving techniques. Like, when you’re stuck, try reading the clue out loud. Sometimes hearing it a different way can spark a connection. And don’t be afraid to Google! I know, some purists frown upon it, but hey, I’m just trying to have some fun and learn something new. Plus, there’s no shame in admitting defeat. The NYT crossword has been humbling people for decades.
After a good hour of struggling, sweating, and maybe a few muttered curses, I finally finished the darn thing! It was a tough one, no doubt about it. Definitely felt like a Thursday or Friday level puzzle, not the Wednesday I was expecting. But that’s the beauty of the NYT crossword. You never quite know what you’re gonna get.
The feeling of accomplishment when you finally fill in that last square? There’s nothing like it. It’s like you conquered a mini-mountain. I definitely needed a bigger coffee after that mental workout. Will I be back tomorrow for another round? You bet! Bring it on, NYT crossword!
