is a renowned American crossword puzzle editor and author. He has edited The New York Times crossword puzzle since 1993 and has written or edited numerous books on puzzles and word games.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

was born in 1952 in Bloomington, Indiana. He developed a passion for puzzles at a young age, particularly crossword puzzles. Shortz attended Indiana University and earned a degree in mathematics.

Career

After graduating, Shortz began working as a freelance puzzle constructor. In 1987, he became the editor of Games magazine. In 1993, he was appointed as the editor of The New York Times crossword puzzle, a position he has held ever since.

Under Shortz’s leadership, The New York Times crossword puzzle has become known for its challenging and clever clues. Shortz also hosts the NPR show "Weekend Edition Sunday" and has written several books on crossword puzzles and other word games.

Accomplishments

Shortz is a highly respected figure in the world of puzzles and word games. His accomplishments include:

Editing The New York Times crossword puzzle for over 30 years
Writing or editing over 30 books on puzzles and word games
Hosting the NPR show "Weekend Edition Sunday"
Receiving numerous awards, including four Emmy Awards

Legacy

has left an enduring legacy in the field of puzzles and word games. His work as editor of The New York Times crossword puzzle has helped to popularize the game and make it more accessible to a wider audience. His books and other contributions have also inspired countless people to enjoy the challenge and fun of puzzles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is ‘s educational background?
A: Shortz earned a degree in mathematics from Indiana University.

Q: How long has Shortz edited The New York Times crossword puzzle?
A: Over 30 years, since 1993.

Q: What is the name of Shortz’s NPR show?
A: "Weekend Edition Sunday"

Q: What is ‘s most famous work?
A: Editing The New York Times crossword puzzle and hosting "Weekend Edition Sunday."

Reference:
– Wikipedia

Puzzle

is an American puzzle editor and creator, best known for his work as crossword puzzle editor for The New York Times. He has also edited puzzles for other publications, including GAMES Magazine, Dell Magazines, and Simon & Schuster.

Shortz’s puzzles are known for their difficulty and cleverness. He often uses wordplay, puns, and other literary devices to create challenging and entertaining puzzles. He has also been credited with popularizing the "themeless" crossword puzzle, which does not have a central theme.

In addition to his work as a puzzle editor, Shortz has also written several books on puzzles and puzzle solving. He has also appeared on television and radio shows to discuss puzzles and puzzle solving.

Crossword

is an American crossword constructor and editor known for creating puzzles published in The New York Times. He has been the puzzle editor of the Times since 1993, and has also constructed puzzles for other publications, including The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Shortz’s crosswords are known for their clever clues, which often reference popular culture, literature, and current events. He has also been credited with popularizing crossword puzzles in the United States, and has been featured in numerous television and radio appearances, as well as in books and magazines.

In addition to his work on crosswords, Shortz is also a musician and author. He has released several albums of jazz and classical music, and has written several books on puzzles and crossword construction.

New York Times Crossword

The New York Times crossword puzzle is a daily crossword puzzle published in The New York Times. It is edited by . The puzzle is known for its difficulty and its clever clues. It is one of the most popular crossword puzzles in the world.

The puzzle is published in a variety of formats, including in the newspaper, online, and in book form. It is also available as an app for smartphones and tablets.

The puzzle is typically 15 squares wide by 15 squares high. It consists of black and white squares. The black squares are used to separate the words in the puzzle. The white squares are used to fill in the answers.

The clues for the puzzle are printed above the grid. The clues are typically cryptic and require some thought to solve.

The puzzle is solved by filling in the answers to the clues in the grid. The answers can be words, phrases, or names.

The puzzle is considered to be difficult, but it is also very rewarding to solve. It is a great way to exercise your brain and test your knowledge of language.

on NPR

is a renowned crossword editor and puzzle constructor who has been associated with NPR (National Public Radio) for over three decades. As the crossword editor for The New York Times, he has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the art of crossword puzzles. His association with NPR dates back to 1989 when he began hosting the weekly "Weekend Edition Sunday" crossword puzzle segment. For many years, he also hosted the annual NPR Christmas Puzzle Tournament, a highly anticipated event for crossword enthusiasts. Through his contributions to NPR, Shortz has fostered a love of puzzles and wordplay among the public, showcasing the intellectual challenges and creative joys they offer.

‘s Book

‘s book is a comprehensive guide to crosswords, covering everything from the history of the game to the techniques for solving even the most challenging puzzles. Shortz, the crossword editor for The New York Times, has compiled a wealth of information and advice, making this book an invaluable resource for crossword enthusiasts of all levels.

The book includes:

A history of crosswords, from their origins in the early 1900s to their current popularity.
A guide to the different types of crosswords, including traditional, cryptic, and themed puzzles.
A breakdown of the various elements of a crossword, such as the grid, the clues, and the answers.
A discussion of the techniques for solving crosswords, including tips for filling in the grid, solving clues, and using reference materials.
A collection of puzzles of varying difficulty levels, from easy to challenging.

Whether you are a novice crossword solver or a seasoned pro, ‘s book is sure to have something for you. With its clear explanations, helpful tips, and entertaining puzzles, this book is a must-have for any crossword lover.

KenKen

KenKen is a puzzle game that combines logic and math. It features a 6×6 grid that is divided into nine 2×2 squares. Each square contains a target number and a cage that indicates the sum of the numbers in that cage. The goal of the puzzle is to fill in each square with a number between 1 and 6, such that each cage sums to its target number and each row, column, and 2×2 square contains each number only once.

The puzzles are designed to be challenging but accessible, making them suitable for a wide range of audiences. KenKen is available as a daily puzzle, as well as in puzzle books and apps. It is a popular pastime for puzzle enthusiasts, providing hours of brain-boosting entertainment.

: Puzzle Constructor

is an American puzzle constructor and editor best known for his work with the New York Times crossword puzzle. He has been constructing puzzles for the Times since 1993, and has also edited other Times puzzles, including the daily mini-crossword and the Sunday magazine’s crossword. Shortz is also the founder and director of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, which is held annually in Stamford, Connecticut.

Shortz has been praised for his clever and challenging puzzles, which often feature unusual or topical references. He has also been credited with helping to popularize crosswords, and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Shortz is a member of the American Crossword Puzzle Society and has won numerous awards for his work, including the Puzzle of the Year Award from the National Puzzlers’ League.

Interview Summary

, the crossword editor for the New York Times, discussed his role and the evolution of crosswords in an interview. Shortz emphasized the importance of variety and challenge in crosswords, ensuring that solvers encounter different types of puzzles and clues. He also highlighted the intricate process of constructing and editing puzzles, involving many layers of review before publication. Shortz discussed the changing demographics of crossword solvers and the rise of online and app-based crossword platforms, which have made the pastime more accessible to a wider audience.

Crossword Tournament

The Crossword Tournament, organized by renowned crossword editor , is an annual event that celebrates the art of crossword puzzling. It brings together solvers from all skill levels to compete in a series of puzzles created by top constructors.

The tournament features various categories, including a championship division for experienced solvers and a novice division for newcomers. Participants engage in timed rounds, solving complex and challenging crosswords. The solvers with the highest accuracy and speed emerge as winners.

The event also includes social gatherings, lectures, and a constructors’ competition, showcasing the creative process behind crossword creation. The tournament fosters a sense of community among solvers and constructors, promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of this popular word game.