Puzzle Solved: Date Set for Crossword Tournament

Clueless about what to do for fun this October?

Then sharpen your pencils, mark the calendar and dig out your crossword puzzle dictionary—New York Times puzzle master and enigmatologist Will Shortz has revealed details for the 15th Annual Westchester Crossword Puzzle Tournament.

And it takes place at a Table Tennis Center.

Shortz, whose  recently in Pleasantville, is donating the space for the contest.

Over the years, attendance at the tournament participation has grown steadily, and the new site provides the dual advantages of increased capacity and no cost—which is especially beneficial since proceeds from the tournament will be given to the .

Shortz expects a record turnout this year as people come to participate and see the new venue. Solvers can compete individually or as a couple. Winners—and with multiple competition categories there is plenty of opportunity to win—can expect to grab an assortment of prizes including trophies and puzzle books.

If you’ve never participated, be prepared to win. Shortz awards a prize for best first time solver.

“It’s an encouragement for new people to come...it’s nice to have multiple prizes,” he said.

Competitors will solve previously unpublished New York Times Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday-level puzzles. Three winners move to the final round to complete a Thursday puzzle. Participants should, however, be prepared to flaunt their skills publically since the triumphant solver from each round completes the final puzzle on a large board for all attendees to witness.

During the final round, the winner who finishes first—and correctly—and declares “done” wins the competition. Several years ago, three people made it to the final round. Within a fraction of a second, one competitor shouted “done” prior to another, which Shortz describes as “heart-stopping.”

Whose puzzle is it anyway?

Although Shortz edits each of the puzzles, there is an assortment of constructors.

“I give precedence to constructors who are present at the event,” Shortz said. “It’s nice for constructors to be in the room with contestants as they do their puzzles. It’s also nice for contestants, as well, to have the constructors there, too.”

Judges abound as well. Officials are comprised of constructors who don’t compete and friends from the National Puzzlers’ League.

“A few top contestants from the annual [national] event, who feel it is not fair for them to compete, also act as officials,” Shortz explained.

David Phethean, a Pleasantville resident, has often been a winner at the Westchester event and now attends the national championship.

Shortz has found that many crossword puzzlers also enjoy table tennis.

“Maybe someday, there will be a biathalon featuring crossword puzzles and table tennis,” Shortz quipped. "Table tennis is a thinking person’s game.”

Sponsored by the , the tournament will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday Oct. 21 at the Westchester Table Tennis Center. Refreshments will be served. No pun intended.