Unleashing the Devil: A Cartoonist’s Take on the NY Times Crossword
Are you a fan of crosswords? Do you wait eagerly for the New York Times crossword puzzle every Sunday morning? If yes, you might have come across the work of cartoonist and crossword constructor, David Steinberg. Steinberg has created some of the most challenging and creative puzzles to ever grace the pages of the New York Times. In this blog post, we take a look at Steinberg’s approach to constructing crosswords and decipher how he unleashes the devil through his puzzles.
Steinberg’s Approach to Crossword Construction
Before we can understand how Steinberg’s puzzles are so devilishly clever, we need to dive into his unique approach to crossword construction. Unlike most crossword constructors who begin by filling in the crossword grid with words, Steinberg starts with an idea or theme. He then strategically constructs the grid around that theme, ensuring that all the words in the puzzle relate to the theme in some way. This approach leads to puzzles that are not only challenging but also cohesive and satisfying to solve.
The Devil is in the Details
Steinberg is known for incorporating puns, wordplay, and obscure references into his puzzles. These elements, while entertaining, make his crosswords incredibly challenging to solve. For example, in one of his puzzles, Steinberg used the clue “Selfie stick?” to reveal the answer “EGO.” In another puzzle, he referenced a super obscure film “PIG CHICKEN SUICIDE” which involved the titular farm animals being forced to act out a suicide attempt. These complex clues and references make Steinberg’s puzzles truly diabolical.
Why Do We Love Steinberg’s Puzzles?
Despite their difficulty, Steinberg’s puzzles remain incredibly popular amongst crossword enthusiasts. This is because his puzzles offer a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that is hard to come by in other forms of entertainment. When you finally crack the code of one of Steinberg’s mind-bending clues, the feeling of satisfaction and elation is unmatched. Moreover, unlike other forms of entertainment, crosswords offer an option of intellectual stimulation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steinberg’s approach to crossword construction is unique, creative, and devilishly challenging. His puzzles are not only fun to solve but also provoke the mind to think of different possibilities. Steinberg’s crosswords may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who enjoy the challenge, they offer a sense of satisfaction that is hard to come by in other areas of life. Crosswords are more than just a game; they offer cognitive stimulation and a sense of accomplishment that is truly unparalleled.
