Plays a Part in a Play Crossword Clue: A Challenge to Master the Unmasterable

The New York Times (NYT) is renowned for publishing some of the most challenging crossword puzzles, and the Saturday puzzle is designed to be the most difficult of all. In a bold move, I've decided to take on this challenge, aiming to complete a Saturday NYT crossword puzzle in one sitting without any aid. But why choose such a daunting task?

According to Anders Ericsson, a leading researcher on expertise, crossword puzzles are one of the few activities that can't be mastered in any systematic way. In his book Peak, Ericsson explains that some activities, such as playing music in pop music groups, solving crossword puzzles, and folk dancing, have no standard training approaches. This makes completing a challenging crossword puzzle like the Saturday NYT a unique test of skill and dedication.

To complete this challenge, I must fulfill three criteria: first, I must complete one entire 15x15 grid, with the correct letter in every square; second, the puzzle must be from the current month; and third, I must not use any aid or assistance. The Sunday puzzle is a significantly larger puzzle (21x21 grid) but has a difficulty level similar to that of a Wednesday or Thursday.

The NYT puzzle gets more difficult throughout the week, with Saturday being the most challenging day. If I can crack the Saturday puzzle, I should be able to complete any other crossword puzzle from the NYT or elsewhere. This challenge is not just about completing a puzzle; it's about demonstrating mastery and control over an activity that is often considered unpredictable.

In conclusion, this challenge is a test of my skills and dedication. I'm excited to take on this new month and push myself to complete a Saturday NYT crossword puzzle in one sitting without any aid. The outcome may be uncertain, but the journey will undoubtedly be a thrilling adventure.

Plays a part in a play crossword clue