Crossword puzzle champ shares tips on solving puzzles

Good Morning America

9 Nov 202304:02

EducationalLearning

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TLDRAmerican crossword puzzle champion Dan Fier shares his expertise in solving crosswords efficiently, highlighting the importance of recognizing common short words, proper names, and patterns in puzzles. He emphasizes the advantage of knowing the preferences of puzzle creators and the process of learning through repeated exposure to crossword 'repeaters' rather than formal study. Despite his lack of preparation for Jeopardy, Fier's experience showcases the value of practice and familiarity in mastering crossword puzzles.

Takeaways

🏆 Dan is a nine-time American Crossword Puzzle Tournament champion since 2010.
⏱️ He can solve a Monday puzzle under 2 minutes and a Sunday New York Times crossword in 5 to 6 minutes.
📝 Short words and proper names that start or end with vowels frequently appear in crosswords, such as 'Eno' and 'Yoko Ono'.
🤔 Dan's familiarity with letter patterns allows him to predict possible answers before even looking at the clues.
🧠 His extensive experience enables him to recognize the styles and preferences of regular puzzle creators.
🎶 Knowledge of the interests of puzzle makers, like rock music or Broadway, can provide a slight advantage in solving puzzles.
🌟 Other top solvers are also familiar with the crossword community, so Dan doesn't have a unique advantage.
📚 Dan did not succeed on Jeopardy, attributing his lack of preparation and dislike for studying as factors.
🦴 His experience with crosswords developed through consistent practice rather than formal study.
🔍 To improve at crosswords, one can learn about common crossword repeaters and subjects like trees, birds, insects, musicians, rappers, and artists with short names.
🎥 The video is part of a GMA YouTube channel content showcasing interesting personalities and their skills.

Q & A

How many times has the American crossword puzzle champion won the tournament since 2010?
-The champion has won the tournament nine times since 2010.
What is the approximate time it takes for the champion to solve a Monday puzzle?
-The champion can solve a Monday puzzle under 2 minutes.
How long does it typically take the champion to complete a Sunday New York Times crossword?
-It takes the champion 5 to 6 minutes to solve a Sunday New York Times crossword.
What types of words frequently appear in crosswords due to their structure?
-Short words and proper names, especially those starting or ending with vowels or both, frequently appear in crosswords. Examples include 'Eno', 'Yoko Ono', 'a skater Midori', and 'ETO the great Japanese Olympic medalist'.
How does the champion's familiarity with letter patterns help in solving puzzles?
-The champion's familiarity with letter patterns allows them to predict possible answers before even looking at the clues, which reduces the number of potential solutions.
What advantage does the champion have by knowing the preferences and styles of regular puzzle makers?
-Knowing the preferences and styles of puzzle makers can give the champion a slight advantage in guessing the themes or types of clues that might be used, based on the maker's interests such as rock music or Broadway references.
How does the champion's experience with crossword puzzles contribute to their knowledge of trivia?
-The champion has seen certain trivia clues hundreds of times, allowing them to pick up information about various subjects without刻意 studying them.
What is the process that Dan's last name, Faer, is related to in the context of the script?
-Dan's last name, Faer, is related to a process called osteogenesis, which is the formation of bone.
How did the champion prepare for Jeopardy, and what was their outcome?
-The champion did not study much for Jeopardy, despite having about a year and a half to prepare, and they did not succeed on the show.
What is the champion's approach to learning crossword repeaters?
-The champion has learned about crossword repeaters by doing many puzzles and seeing the same words and clues repeatedly, rather than by using flashcards or studying lists.
What is the champion's strategy for improving at crossword puzzles?
-The champion's strategy involves solving a lot of puzzles, getting to know the regular puzzle makers' styles, and learning about different subjects with three to five letter names that start and/or end with vowels.

Outlines

00:00

🏆 Crossword Puzzle Champion's Insights

The paragraph introduces Dan, a nine-time American crossword puzzle tournament champion since 2010. He shares his ability to solve a Monday puzzle under 2 minutes and a Sunday New York Times crossword in 5 to 6 minutes. Dan discusses the frequency of short words and proper names in crosswords, especially those starting and ending with vowels. He also explains how his familiarity with common letter patterns and the styles of puzzle creators like Brendan Emmett Quigley and Patrick Blaylock gives him an edge in solving puzzles. Additionally, he talks about his experience with Jeopardy, noting that he didn't study much for the trivia show and instead relies on his extensive experience with crossword puzzles to accumulate knowledge.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Crossword Puzzle Champion

The term 'Crossword Puzzle Champion' refers to an individual who has achieved significant success in the field of crossword puzzle competitions, particularly the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. In the context of the video, Dan Fier is introduced as such a champion, having won the tournament nine times since 2010. This title signifies not only skill in solving puzzles but also a level of expertise and recognition within the crossword community.

💡Solving Strategies

Solving strategies in the context of crossword puzzles involve the methods and approaches used to fill in the blanks with the correct words. The video highlights Dan Fier's ability to quickly identify common patterns and words, especially those starting or ending with vowels, which frequently appear in puzzles. This strategic thinking is crucial for speed and accuracy in solving puzzles, and it is a key element of Dan Fier's success.

💡Crossword Repeaters

Crossword repeaters are words or phrases that appear frequently in crossword puzzles. They are often short, common words or names that fit well into the typical grid structure of puzzles. In the video, Dan Fier mentions that he is familiar with these repeaters, which helps him to quickly narrow down possible answers when solving puzzles.

💡Puzzle Makers

Puzzle makers are the individuals who create crossword puzzles for various publications. They are known for having distinct styles and preferences, which can include certain themes or types of clues. In the video, Dan Fier mentions that he has become familiar with some of the most prolific puzzle makers, like Brendan Emmett Quigley who loves rock music, and Patrick Blindauer who often includes Broadway references. Understanding the tendencies of puzzle makers can provide solvers with an advantage in predicting patterns and themes within puzzles.

💡Jeopardy

Jeopardy is a popular American television quiz show where contestants are presented with general knowledge clues in the form of questions, and they must respond with the correct answers in the form of statements. In the video, Dan Fier discusses his experience with Jeopardy, noting that unlike crossword puzzles, one cannot study for the show in the same way; it requires a broad base of trivia knowledge. His mention of Jeopardy highlights the difference between crossword puzzle solving and general trivia knowledge.

💡Osteogenesis

Osteogenesis is the medical term for the process of bone formation. In the video, it is mentioned in a quiz clue as 'this word with the same first two letters,' referring to a question about a process related to bones. This term is an example of the kind of specialized knowledge that might be tested in a quiz show like Jeopardy, contrasting with the more common knowledge required for crossword puzzles.

💡Caged Bird

The 'Caged Bird' refers to a specific answer in the quiz mentioned in the video. It is a metaphorical term that symbolizes a person or thing that is confined or restricted. In the context of the video, it is used to illustrate Dan Fier's experience with Jeopardy, where he did not study for the show and thus felt limited in his ability to answer trivia questions.

💡Studying for Puzzles

Studying for puzzles refers to the process of preparing for crossword puzzle competitions by learning specific types of information, such as common crossword repeaters, different categories of knowledge, or the tendencies of puzzle makers. In the video, Dan Fier explains that while one cannot study for Jeopardy in the same way, crossword puzzles can be studied by doing them repeatedly, learning from clues, and familiarizing oneself with the patterns and themes.

💡Crossword Puzzle Solving Time

Crossword puzzle solving time refers to the duration it takes an individual to complete a crossword puzzle. In the video, Dan Fier boasts about his ability to solve a Monday puzzle under 2 minutes and a Sunday New York Times crossword in 5 to 6 minutes, showcasing his exceptional speed and skill in crossword puzzle solving.

💡Puzzle Solving Techniques

Puzzle solving techniques encompass the various methods and strategies employed to solve puzzles, such as pattern recognition, knowledge of common words, and understanding the preferences of puzzle makers. In the video, Dan Fier discusses his techniques, which include anticipating letter patterns and being aware of the styles of different puzzle makers, highlighting the importance of these techniques in competitive puzzle solving.

💡Game Shows

Game shows are television or radio programs where contestants participate in competitive activities, often with a chance to win prizes. In the video, Dan Fier's experiences with Jeopardy are discussed, providing insight into the different types of knowledge and skills required for success in game shows, as opposed to crossword puzzle competitions.

Highlights

American crossword puzzle champion Dan Fer has won the tournament nine times since 2010.

Dan can solve a Monday puzzle under 2 minutes and a Sunday New York Times crossword in 5 to 6 minutes.

Short words and proper names that appear in crosswords frequently include words starting or ending with vowels, such as 'Eno' or 'Yoko Ono'.

Crossword puzzles often feature words like 'Midori', referring to the Japanese Olympic medalist.

Dan's familiarity with common letter patterns allows him to predict possible answers before even looking at the clues.

Experience with puzzles helps Dan recognize the styles and preferences of regular puzzle makers, giving him a slight advantage.

Puzzle maker Brandan Emmett Quigley is known for incorporating rock music into his puzzles, while Patrick Blindauer includes Broadway references.

Dan did not succeed on Jeopardy, despite having a similar skill set for crossword puzzles.

Dan's approach to Jeopardy was unorthodox, as he did not study for the trivia competition, unlike many other participants.

Crosswords cannot be studied in the traditional sense; instead, they require practice and familiarity with the format and common entries.

Dan has developed a deep knowledge of crossword repeaters and patterns through years of experience and exposure to the puzzles.

Specific categories like trees, birds, insects, musicians, rappers, and artists with three to five-letter names that use vowels are crucial for crossword success.

Dan's success in crossword puzzles is attributed to his extensive experience and ability to quickly recognize and fill in the blanks.

Dan's strategy involves learning through repetition and exposure to common crossword entries rather than formal study.

Dan's record for completing a perfect crossword is 6 minutes and 45 seconds.

GMA fans are encouraged to subscribe to the YouTube channel for more engaging content.

Transcripts

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Takeaways

Q & A

How many times has the American crossword puzzle champion won the tournament since 2010?

What is the approximate time it takes for the champion to solve a Monday puzzle?

How long does it typically take the champion to complete a Sunday New York Times crossword?

What types of words frequently appear in crosswords due to their structure?

How does the champion's familiarity with letter patterns help in solving puzzles?

What advantage does the champion have by knowing the preferences and styles of regular puzzle makers?

How does the champion's experience with crossword puzzles contribute to their knowledge of trivia?

What is the process that Dan's last name, Faer, is related to in the context of the script?

How did the champion prepare for Jeopardy, and what was their outcome?

What is the champion's approach to learning crossword repeaters?

What is the champion's strategy for improving at crossword puzzles?