How to Select the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

Since its inception in 1851, the New York Times has become noted for holding several records. For one thing, it's the largest daily newspaper published in the U.S. For another, the New York Times has won more awards (more than 90 Pulitzer Prizes) than any other newspaper. Affectionately known as "The Gray Lady" for containing "All The News That's Fit To Print" in a formal broadsheet layout, the New York Times promises its readers something more: the most challenging daily crossword puzzle.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Select today's puzzle or a previously published puzzle from the New York Times crossword puzzle page online (see Resources below).

2. Note that you have several choices when it comes to which puzzle to select from the New York Times online. If you already subscribe to the newspaper, you may simply log in by clicking on the "Already a Subscriber? Click Here" link on the crossword puzzle page. If not, you can subscribe and get access to premium crossword puzzles and the daily crossword online.

3. Create a user account if you do not wish to subscribe to the New York Times by clicking on the "Register Now" button. Complete the form as required and then hit the "Click Here to Complete Your Free Registration" button.

4. Access the crossword page again after completing your free registration by navigating to the "Crosswords and Games" link from the left-hand menu of the home page for the New York Times.

5. Scroll down the page to select the "Classic Puzzle from The New York Times Archive" link. This will provide access to a free online crossword puzzle published weekly and updated each Monday.

6. Notice that the newspaper also provides Crosswords Forums, where you can interact with other crossword puzzle enthusiasts, share tips and swap strategies.

Tips & Warnings

• The New York Times also has a reputation for being the world's "dirtiest" newspaper, meaning that it tends to shed its ink. However, solving the crossword puzzle online solves that problem, too.
• The New York Times daily crossword puzzle increases in difficulty level as the week progresses, and the Sunday version always pertains to American culture. However, every crossword puzzle adheres to a 15 by 15 grid format, which results in all the black and white spaces holding the same position when turned upside down.

Resources

• The New York Times website for popular online puzzles