We often get questions about using RegEx on XWord Info, most of which I can’t answer, but an intriguing question arose recently. Can RegEx be used to find NYT Spelling Bee words? The short answer is that, yes, we you can filter words in our lists that match Bee rules, but you end up with… Continue reading Cheating at Bee with RegEx
Category: XWord Info features
Tips and tricks for getting the most out of XWord Info.
Word List Updates
Jeff Chen regularly updates the XWord Info word lists. He’s just uploaded a large batch.
Analyze your own crosswords
XWord Info started as a website mostly for curious solvers. Over the years, the site has evolved and is now equally aimed at helping constructors create their best work. We have Jeff Chen’s word list, some sample Python scripts, and a Finder page that has been used more than 13 million times. (An upcoming post… Continue reading Analyze your own crosswords
Crosswords and Computers
Crosswords used to be constructed entirely by hand. Watch Garson Hampfield reminisce about the old days. I love this guy. Some constructors still use graph paper, but almost all published crosswords now benefit from some computer assistance. The Auto-Amazing-Theme-Generator™ has yet to be invented, but software such as Crossword Compiler for PCs or Crossfire for… Continue reading Crosswords and Computers
Acrostic Quotes and Full Quotes (NSFW?)
A couple of warnings before we begin: This post contains spoilers for some older Acrostic puzzles. If you’re planning on working your way through them, avert your eyes now. This post contains a story that might imply surprising sexual conduct. Viewer discretion advised. Acrostics seem to involve a different part of the solving brain than… Continue reading Acrostic Quotes and Full Quotes (NSFW?)
New Charts at XWord Info
Astute readers will have noticed we’ve been dropping a few new charts into XWord Info. Some are hidden in obscure corners, like this one showing the relative proportion of NYT crosswords constructed by women collaborating with other women, but we also have new charts on two of our most popular pages. Every NYT answer word… Continue reading New Charts at XWord Info