To solve a crossword, you need to have a Vulcan Mind Meld with its creator.
What does a Crossword Puzzle Editor do? I have no real idea, of course, and yet I have at least the illusion of having some insight into his brain. Like a novelist or a painter, he opens little windows into his soul every time he publishes a new puzzle.
I remember the tectonic shift that happened when Will Shortz took over from his predecessor. The NYT had gone straight to hell. The new puzzles were too easy. They were too hard. They were too, seriously now, funny! You can't just hand over the most important cultural institution in America to someone who doesn't revere its history, which of course means exactly duplicating the style puzzlers had become accustomed to.
It's safe to say that by now Will has been accepted. He brings his own distinct personality, he has opened up the stuffy Times to allow hipper or even ever-so slightly naughty words and phrases, and we've gradually adjusted to how he thinks.
One constant is what I call Precision Clues. They're not just right, they're exactly right. The part of speech is the same as the answer. They can be precisely replaced in a sentence by the answers. And even the tone or mood is correct.
I happened to do the Merl Reagle Sunday puzzle in the Seattle Times last weekend. One of the clues was "Greenback." The answer turned out to be DOLLAR. That wouldn't make it into the NYT. Greenback is a slang term. Dollar is formally correct. It doesn't quite fit.
Contrast that with today's Jim Page / Will Shortz Wednesday puzzle. The clue for 43 Down is "Handle." The answer turns out to be MONIKER. Perfect.
The clue that made me smile today was 21 Across. Four letters. Clue is "Granny, for one." Starts with K.
