In brief
The recent American Crossword Puzzle Tournament brought together nearly 1,000 participants, fostering instant connections and joy among both seasoned puzzlers and newcomers. The event showcased the transformative power of shared interests in creating immediate friendships and community, highlighting the distinct experience of connecting through passion.
Last Friday, the Marriott lobby in downtown Stamford, Conn., buzzed with excitement as nearly 1,000 attendees of the 47th American Crossword Puzzle Tournament gathered for a weekend of wordplay and camaraderie. Hosted by Will Shortz, the puzzle editor of The New York Times, the event felt like a fantastical reunion, with veterans greeting one another enthusiastically when they met again.First-timers, meanwhile, navigated the crowd with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, hoping for a glance at beloved crossword constructors. Several enthusiasts congregated around a table overflowing with puzzles, diving into challenges and sharing in the exhilaration of solving together. "Electric!" I jotted down in my notebook, captivated despite my intent to remain impartial.Having regarded myself as a crossword aficionado—solving the Times puzzle on a regular basis—I envisioned my attendance at the tournament since being inspired by the 2006 documentary "Wordplay." I quickly realized, however, that I was surrounded by seasoned champions. Some could complete a Saturday puzzle in a mere three minutes, while others recited the impressive publishing records of constructors they admired. A staunch fan, adorned in a grid-themed Phantom of the Opera outfit, epitomized the spirit of the event with a rose symbolizing their love for puzzles.At an informal wine-and-cheese gathering later that evening, I mingled with fellow enthusiasts, absorbing their excitement as they described the thrill of crafting exquisite puzzles. Competing the following day in timed sessions, I achieved personal triumph by finishing five of six puzzles within the secure 30-minute timeframe—a feat I had not anticipated.The spirit of community radiated throughout the tournament, as participants discovered camaraderie in shared experiences over the completed puzzles. Strangers instantly transformed into companions, sharing laughter and commiseration over frustrations encountered in their newly-minted challenge. “How can POT be a three-letter answer for ‘Cash on hand’?” one puzzled participant queried, igniting conversations animated by the same love for puzzles.In everyday life, such connections often elude us. We might smile politely at strangers in an elevator, yet the intimate bond of shared interests creates an open space for dialogue and deeper conversation at events like this. Here, the atmosphere encourages participants to let down their guards and engage enthusiastically, making plans to continue conversations over lunch or coffee.As I traveled home and stopped to visit my college friend Peter, I reflected on the joy of connecting with new people—yet found comfort in our long-standing friendship. Meeting individuals with shared passions can be exhilarating, but it is equally essential to find solace in the familiarity of age-old relationships. If only Peter embraced puzzles, I mused, we could experience the thrill of crossword partnership together. But as he has shown little interest in my newfound passion, that dream remains a delightful thought.
