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Puzzler

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25. When I first started everything was by hand...

Wed Dec 7, 2016, 02:30 AM

Dec 2016

... so my NY Times crosswords from 1991 to about 2000/2001 were all entirely hand constructed. However, as software became more sophisticated, most constructors (including me) started to rely more on software, especially to help layout the grids, number clues, etc.

Some software was (is) relatively "bare bones" and will assist you in helping find suitable words. Other software is much more powerful: by far the best is Crossword Compiler. It's quite expensive, but it has very sophisticated and powerful algorithms that can "auto fill" a grid. Sometimes the results can be very good, often not so good.

In my case, I use a combination of "by hand" and will use computer assistance if necessary. Often this is to check to make sure I didn't miss a more interesting assortment of words. So any good modern constructor should use a combo. This helps to ensure there's less weird crosswordy stuff, and more lively fill.

-MAS

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Terrific! I'll Google you when I get home :) ailsagirl Dec 2016 #11

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Thanks again. And congrats on being published (nt) Paladin Dec 2016 #24

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