New York Times Crossword Features College Students' Collaborative Puzzle

What's Happening?

Aidan Deshong, a college student, has collaborated with fellow student Akshay Seetharam to create a crossword puzzle for The New York Times. This marks Deshong's first Saturday puzzle and Seetharam's debut in the Times. The puzzle features a 'pinwheel' geometry, a popular format in themeless puzzles, which adds complexity by having loosely connected sections. The puzzle includes fresh clues and notable entries such as 'WALUIGI,' a Nintendo character making its debut in the Times crossword. The puzzle challenges solvers with tricky clues, including one that leads to the answer 'CUT AND PASTE,' reflecting an activity performed on a computer.

Why It's Important?

The inclusion of college students in creating puzzles for a prestigious publication like The New York Times highlights the growing recognition of young talent in the field of puzzle construction. This collaboration not only provides a platform for emerging constructors but also brings fresh perspectives and creativity to the crossword community. The puzzle's complexity and innovative clues offer seasoned solvers a challenging experience, while also attracting new enthusiasts to the hobby. Such contributions can invigorate the crossword scene, encouraging diversity and innovation in puzzle design.