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Crosswords & Games

Wordplay

The crossword and games section of The New York Times.

The crossword and games section of The New York Times.

Highlights

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    How the Hivemind Conquers Spelling Bee

    We asked readers how they play one of our most popular games. Enthusiasts weighed in with their favorite tips and tricks.

    By Deb Amlen and Jackie Frere

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    CreditIllustrated by Jimin Suh

    Desperate for Distraction

    When anxiety about airplane travel left her feeling out of control, Allison B. Kelly focused on solving crosswords. Chocolate helped, too.

    By Allison B. Kelly

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      CreditThe New York Times

      Spelling Bee Forum

      Welcome to the Spelling Bee forum, where you can get help from the #HiveMind on your journey to Genius.

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      CreditThe New York Times

      NYT Daily Wordplay Column

      A daily crossword column that provides hints and tips for the New York Times crossword.

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    CreditIllustration by Ben Kirchner

    60 Seconds With Aimee Lucido

    A chat with one of the New York Times Crossword constructors.

    By Deb Amlen

  3. PhotoOxford University undergraduates on a callithumpian, late-night drinking escapade in 1824. The original artwork was drawn and engraved by Robert Cruikshank for “The English Spy.”
    CreditHulton Archive, via Getty Images

    Words Full of Sound and Fury

    In the 19th century, the use of grandiloquent, fanciful words was all the rage, which proves that overcomplicating things has always been funny. And is it a uniquely American phenomenon? Some linguists believe so.

    By Max Harrison-Caldwell

  4. PhotoTaking in the view at Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado.
    CreditCourtesy of Nancy Pfeffer

    Flight of the Spelling Bee Player

    Nancy Pfeffer, a devoted member of the Twitter “hivemind,” grew so enchanted with the game’s online community that she set off on a cross-country trip to meet them in real life.

    By Nancy Pfeffer

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    How to Solve The New York Times Crossword

    Once you master a few basic strategies, you’ll find that crossword puzzle-solving is not only possible, but highly addictive. So let’s get solving!

    By Deb Amlen

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    CreditElena Xausa

    How to Make a Crossword Puzzle: The Series

    Now, all in one place: Bring your theme ideas and follow along as New York Times constructors and editors pull back the curtain on puzzle making.

    By Deb Amlen

  3. PhotoA contestant at the 1982 U.S. Open Crossword Puzzle Championship.
    CreditLarry C. Morris and Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

    Crossword Constructor Resource Guide

    A collection of tools for people looking to make their own puzzles.

    By Isaac Aronow

  1. Spelling Bee Forum

    Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? We can help.

    By Isaac Aronow and Doug Mennella

  2. Means of Entry

    Anne Rowley ties it all together.

    By Rachel Fabi

  3. Spelling Bee Forum

    Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? We can help.

    By Isaac Aronow and Doug Mennella

  4. Season to Taste

    Laura Taylor Kinnel broke the mold with this one.

    By Caitlin Lovinger

  5. Spelling Bee Forum

    Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? We can help.

    By Isaac Aronow and Doug Mennella

  6. Heavens

    Let’s scratch away at this tricky, tricky debut puzzle by David Distenfeld.

    By Caitlin Lovinger

  7. Spelling Bee Forum

    Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? We can help.

    By Isaac Aronow and Doug Mennella

  8. Variety: Acrostic

    Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon present a jar-dropping acrostic — don’t lapse into a comma!

    By Caitlin Lovinger

  9. Offline Activity

    In which we solve an Evans Clinchy puzzle and break into Will Shortz’s house.

    By Deb Amlen

  10. Spelling Bee Forum

    Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? We can help.

    By Isaac Aronow and Doug Mennella