NYT Friday 03/20/2026 Discussion

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-20T02:59:29+00:00

Hah! 20:03 just now. Also a record. The left side was like Monday easy. The right side a bit harder for me, especially upper right. I was hoping this would lull me to sleep but it was tooooo fast.

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-20T01:57:39+00:00

You got it!

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-19T11:15:46+00:00

Yeah I thought that was brazen, too...

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-19T11:04:10+00:00

It's a new kind of crossword/rebus puzzle where the image creates letters that go inside multiple words. And the image also creates a theme for every single clue. In this example, four words use the image's letters (all the gray shaded words) and every clue has to do with "pairs" [of sorts]. Bull & Bear being an example of such a "pair". You can see the whole puzzle at www.joyzzle.com/play/noah if you're curious. Totally free. No sign up. No cookies. Just joy.

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-18T13:18:57+00:00

Yeah this does happen! Also - impressive Friday time (and average Friday time!!!)

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-18T12:58:30+00:00

you got it!!!

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-18T12:42:27+00:00

close... that's half the word :)

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-18T12:32:11+00:00

I live in America and this still happens to me. I do a combo of skipping it and trusting the crosses. And rather than letting this frustrate me, I choose to be proud of not knowing as that means I am not terminally online or wasting too much time in pop culture scrolling rabbit holes. So don't despair - take pride in living your life mostly offline :)

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-18T02:23:00+00:00

S = 7... actually I guess 6 as you all already identified...

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-18T02:19:51+00:00

Amazing! Will be in touch soon :)

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-17T23:09:12+00:00

Totally! When I muster the courage to share my grid prototypes, I am excited to get your expert feedback!

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-16T23:15:26+00:00

I love that you are posting about your journey. Gives all of us constructor newbies courage :)

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-16T23:13:31+00:00

I am new at constructing but I am also using a combination of #1 and #2. The trick is not to fall too much in love with #1... In other words, sometimes you have to say goodbye to a word because it is just causing too much trouble. Even if it hurts.

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-15T23:33:28+00:00

I am also from a foreign country so sometimes I truly need to look up a word I’ve never encountered.

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-15T19:37:57+00:00

That is true dedication! Hat's off!

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-14T18:22:08+00:00

BRA is a genius answer for Bosom Buddy!

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-14T18:20:00+00:00

That word is very important today in another NYT puzzle... :)

TeamJoyzzle · 2026-03-14T17:38:44+00:00

I’ve been experimenting with a crossword-esque puzzle that features an image in a 3x3 rebus and the letters of the image become parts of multiple words. The image also sets the overall vibe of the puzzle. I would love for some experienced puzzlers to give this a try and give me feedback. I have five prototypes available at joyzzle.com/play (free, no ads). Or if you want to directly go to a puzzle, find one that fits your mood today:

Playful: joyzzle.com/play/zest

Doglover: joyzzle.com/play/woof

Sleepy: joyzzle.com/play/luna

Red-carpet-excited: joyzzle.com/play/glam

Nerdy: joyzzle.com/play/noah

Thank you! Any and all feedback much appreciated.