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When Does the NY Times Crossword Reset? A Complete Guide

If you’re an avid fan of the New York Times Crossword, you might find yourself wondering: When does the NY Times Crossword reset? For crossword enthusiasts, keeping track of the puzzle schedule is as important as solving the clues! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll not only answer this question but also delve into some additional details and tips to help you stay on top of your crossword-solving game.

What Time Does the NY Times Crossword Reset?

The New York Times Crossword resets every day at precisely 10:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Regardless of whether it’s a weekday or a weekend, you can reliably expect the next day’s crossword to become available at that time.

This reset time may feel counterintuitive to some people since it doesn’t align with midnight. However, it works perfectly for those who like to solve puzzles late in the evening or perhaps get a head start on the next day’s crossword.

Why 10:00 PM ET?

The decision to reset at 10:00 PM ET is likely tied to tradition and convenience. The time is late enough to signal the start of a new puzzle day for most readers on the East Coast, but not so late that people need to wait into the early morning hours. For West Coast solvers, the puzzle resets at 7:00 PM Pacific Time, making it even earlier in the evening! It’s an ideal schedule to cater to as many time zones as possible.

A Breakdown of the Weekly Crossword Schedule

One of the most exciting aspects of the NY Times Crossword is how it gets progressively harder as the week goes on. Here’s a quick breakdown of the weekly puzzle schedule:

  • Monday: The easiest crossword of the week, perfect for beginners.
  • Tuesday: Slightly harder than Monday’s puzzle but still approachable.
  • Wednesday: Medium difficulty, often involving clever wordplay or themes.
  • Thursday: The difficulty ramps up, and tricky themes start to appear.
  • Friday: The puzzles tend to feel challenging but rewarding for seasoned solvers.
  • Saturday: The most challenging puzzle of the week, designed for crossword pros.
  • Sunday: A larger crossword with medium difficulty, offering a full, enjoyable solving experience.

So, whether you prefer the simplicity of a Monday puzzle or the devilish complexity of a Saturday grid, the crossword schedule delivers variety—and resetting at 10:00 PM ET allows you to plan your week of solving accordingly.

How to Access the Daily Crossword

If you’re eager to start solving the moment the crossword resets, here’s how you can access it:

  1. Visit the NY Times Website: Head to the Games section of the official New York Times website. A subscription may be required to access the crossword.
  2. Use the Official App: The NY Times Crossword app is a convenient way to solve puzzles on-the-go. It automatically updates with the new crossword at reset time.
  3. Buy the Print Edition: If you’re a fan of solving it the old-fashioned way, the crossword is also available in the newspaper edition of the NY Times. Note that the printed crossword corresponds to that day’s puzzle, not the one released the night before online.

Tips for Staying on Schedule

Here are a few helpful tips to make sure you never miss a crossword reset:

  • Set a daily reminder on your phone for 10:00 PM ET (adjust for your time zone).
  • Bookmark the crossword page on your browser for quick access.
  • Join online crossword-solving communities where other enthusiasts can help remind you about reset times.

A Few Fun Facts About the NY Times Crossword

The NY Times Crossword is more than just a puzzle; it has a rich history and a dedicated fan base. Here are some fun facts to get to know this iconic crossword better:

  • The first NY Times Crossword was published on February 15, 1942.
  • Will Shortz, the legendary editor of the crossword, has been at the helm since 1993.
  • Sunday puzzles are famous for their size—they have a 21×21 grid compared to the 15×15 grids used on other days.

Conclusion

Knowing the NY Times Crossword reset time is key for anyone dedicated to daily solving. With its 10:00 PM ET reset schedule and a wide range of difficulty levels throughout the week, the crossword offers challenges and satisfaction for puzzlers of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy tackling the simpler Monday puzzles or pride yourself on conquering the legendary Saturday challenge, the New York Times Crossword is a timeless source of entertainment.

So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and happy solving!