#average solver

[puzzlenation]

The PN Blog 2021 Countdown!

In today's blog post, we count down our 10 favorite blog posts of 2021!

It’s the final blog post of the year, so what do you say we revisit all of 2021 with a countdown of my ten favorite blog posts from the past year! #10 The Man Who Found Forrest Fenn’s Treasure One of 2020’s most baffling stories was the announcement that Forrest Fenn’s treasure, a mystery sought by thousands for most of a decade, had been found, but the lucky solver was remaining anonymous.…

[puzzlenation]

What Belongs in Crosswords: Another Look

Years ago I wrote a blog post discussing how crosswords have to walk a tightrope, balancing topicality and freshness vs. familiarity and family-friendly content. I mentioned that older solvers may decry newer names, slang, terminology, or pop culture references, while younger solvers will bemoan not just older references they consider passe, but long-established crossword-friendly words they…

[puzzlenation]

Who Is The "Average Solver"?

In today's blog post, we discuss the problematic concept of the average solver!

In crossword forums, the comment sections of crossword blogs, and virtually any other online space where people share their thoughts on puzzles, you’re bound to see the same criticism over and over. “The average solver wouldn’t know ____.” I saw a comment on a r/crossword reddit forum recently, regarding the November 11 USA Today puzzle. 10-Down was clued “Spoons,” and the answer word was ENERGY.…