maximum number of blocks? how many would be a deal breaker?

[jkeesh]

I am working on creating a 15x15 crossword puzzle to submit to the NY Times. I have a theme that has 2 14-word entries and 2 12-word entries.

I have been able to create a grid that works with 50 blocks (22%). I got this down from 70 blocks. I saw that ~16% (36 blocks) is a guideline. It seems there isn't a hard and fast rule but what is generally the high end on number of black squares that could get accepted?

Thank you

[mmcbs]

Sending a DM

[axlrosen]

I think 38 or 40 are considered the max number, depending on who you ask. Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

In the Shortz era, only two NYT puzzles have been published with 14x2 + 12x2 (Dec0297, Apr0609) so that should give you some indication of the difficulty of the task.

Maybe go to 16x15 so that your 12s can go in the 3rd and 13th row? I have no clue, that's just a thought.

[Wheels12]

In the Shortz era, only two NYT puzzles have been published with 14x2 + 12x2 (Dec0297, Apr0609) so that should give you some indication of the difficulty of the task.

Axl, out of curiosity, how/where did you get this info?

[Wheels12]

Also, I agree that 40 is the maximum, absent extenuating circumstances. It's not a hard-and-fast rule but it's a good guideline to use, especially if you're new to constructing.

[maia.mcc]

I came here to ask a very similar question, so going to piggyback on this thread!

According to [this Wordplay article on crossword construction](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/11/crosswords/how-to-make-crossword-puzzle-grid.html), for a 15x15, NYT suggests a max of 42 blocks. Anyone have a guideline on max number of blocks for a 21x21? Thanks!

[mmcbs]

80 is a good number not to exceed, but I don't think anyone has an firm limit.

[jh]

sort of depends on the editor, but anything under 40 is no problem. i know NYT takes 42 fairly often, 44 is pushing it...

[DarlaFanbridge]

I know the L.A. Times allows 40 blocks max.  I am considering submitting crosswords to the L.A. times someday as that allows digital submissions and can pay pretty well.  However, as much as the NYT pays quite a lot of money, I am not considering the NYT as that involves sending by postal mail - unless something's changed.

[mmcbs]

LA Times allows up to 43 blocks on a 15x15 puzzle (see specs on this site)

NYT accepts electronic submissions. See https://www.nytimes.com/puzzles/submissions/crossword for details (at the bottoom of the page).