Alright, folks, let’s talk about how I totally nailed the “top of the top” NYT crossword puzzle today. I’ve been doing these crosswords for a while now, and I gotta say, they’re like a good workout for the brain.

So, first things first, I grabbed my phone and opened up the NYT app. I usually start with the mini crossword, but today, I was feeling brave and went straight for the big one. Mondays are usually the easiest, so I figured I’d give it a shot.
Getting Started
- Dive In: I started by scanning all the clues. I always look for the fill-in-the-blanks first. They are way easier and give you a head start.
- Easy Wins: Then, I go for the short words, three or four letters. These can help you figure out the longer words they connect to.
Tackling the Clues
The clues can be tricky, right? Sometimes they’re straightforward, but other times they’re like riddles. Today, there were a few that got me thinking:
- Wordplay: Some clues were playing with words, like using synonyms or different meanings. Had to think outside the box a bit.
- Themes: I started to notice a theme in some of the clues. It gave me some hints for the tougher words. It’s like the puzzle creators are having a conversation with you through the clues.
The Hard Part
I won’t lie, there were a few moments where I was stumped. I hit a couple of walls, especially in the bottom right corner.
- Breaks are Key: When I get stuck, I just put the puzzle down for a bit. Go for a walk, grab a snack, whatever. Coming back with a fresh pair of eyes helps a lot.
- Guess and Check: If I had an idea but wasn’t sure, I’d pencil it in lightly. Sometimes, seeing it on the grid helps you figure out if it’s right or wrong.
Victory!
After a bit of back and forth, and maybe a little peeking at a hint, I finally filled in that last square. Boom! Puzzle complete. It’s a great feeling, like you’ve just climbed a mountain or something. This was the “top of the top” one though, that made it way more satisfying.
Doing these crosswords is like a daily challenge for me. It is fun, and it keeps my brain sharp. Plus, bragging rights are always nice, especially when you conquer the NYT puzzle!

So, that’s my crossword adventure for today. If you’re into puzzles, give it a try. Start with the easy ones and work your way up. And remember, it’s okay to take breaks and come back later. Happy puzzling, everyone!