Alright, so getting the NYT crossword open each day. It’s kind of its own little routine, you know?
First thing, gotta find my device. Usually, it’s my tablet, sometimes the phone if I’m out. If it’s the tablet, it’s probably sitting on the coffee table or maybe still charging from overnight.
The Actual Steps
Okay, found it. Power it on if it’s asleep. Then comes the hunt for the app icon. It’s that familiar blue one, the NYT Games app. My screen’s usually a mess, so sometimes it takes a second longer than it should to spot it.
- Tap the icon. Pretty simple start.
- Then wait for the load screen. Sometimes it pops right up, other days it takes its sweet time. Depends on the internet gremlins, I guess.
- Once it loads, you see the main screen. Usually, the latest daily crossword is right there at the top. Big button saying ‘Play’.
There are other things there too, like the Mini, Spelling Bee, whatever. But I’m usually heading straight for the main puzzle. If it’s a Monday, I’m thinking, “Okay, easy start.” If it’s later in the week, especially Thursday or Saturday, I take a breath first. It’s gonna be tougher.
Getting Past the Gate
Sometimes, and this is annoying, it logs me out. No idea why. Then I gotta scramble to remember my password or go through the whole ‘forgot password’ dance. That definitely kills the morning crossword vibe a bit.
But most days, it’s smooth. I see the puzzle, dated for today. Maybe glance at the title if it has one, or the constructor’s name. Then I just hit that ‘Play’ button.
The grid pops up. Empty. Blank squares staring back at me. That’s it, really. That’s the whole ‘getting it open’ part. The real fun, or sometimes frustration, starts right after that click.
