Today, I want to share my experience with tackling the “bunch” of the New York Times crossword puzzle. You know, the one that everyone talks about but can seem so daunting at first.
So, I started with the Monday puzzle. That’s what they say you should do, right? Monday’s supposed to be the easiest, and it gradually gets tougher throughout the week, culminating in that beast on Saturday. Sunday’s is a whole other story, a big one, but still a challenge.
I scanned through all the clues first, instead of just diving in headfirst. I was looking for those “gimmes” – the fill-in-the-blank ones that are usually common knowledge. Like, “A penny saved is a penny ___.” Stuff like that. I figured knocking out a few of those would give me a good head start and a little confidence boost.
And you know what? It actually worked! I managed to fill in a decent chunk of the puzzle just by focusing on those easier clues.
Then, I started looking at the letters I already had filled in. It’s like they say, using the more unusual letters, like K, F, or Z, can really help you unlock other words. It’s all about making those connections.
- I started with Monday.
- I scanned for the easy clues, the “gimmes.”
- I focused on the letters already filled in.
Slowly but surely, I started making progress. It’s kind of addictive, you know? You fill in one word, then another, and before you know it, you’ve cracked a whole section of the puzzle.
Of course, I got stuck a few times. That’s where those crossword-solving techniques come in handy. But honestly, just sticking with it, taking breaks when I needed to, and coming back with fresh eyes made a big difference.
By the end of it, I actually managed to finish the whole thing! It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely rewarding. I feel like I’ve learned a few things about solving crosswords along the way, and it’s definitely something I’ll keep practicing. It’s a great way to keep your mind sharp and learn a few new words in the process.
