Games - American Crossword Puzzle Tournament

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	Games - American Crossword Puzzle Tournament

The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament is an annual crossword-solving tournament held every March in Stamford, Connecticut. Founded in 1978 by Will Shortz, who still directs the tournament, it is the oldest and largest crossword tournament held in the United States, currently attracting between 400 and 500 competitors each year.

The main part of the tournament consists of seven rounds; puzzles in these rounds vary in size and difficulty level. In each round, competitors solve the same puzzle; those who complete the puzzle within the time limit may raise their hands and have their puzzles collected by a judge. Puzzles are judged on both accuracy and speed.

The top three solvers after the first seven rounds progress to the final round, which consists of solving a very difficult crossword on an oversized grid on a stage at the front of the tournament room. The three competitors in this round wear noise-blocking headphones so that a team of commentators can remark upon the action for the spectators. The winner of this round is declared the tournament champion.

While anyone is eligible to compete for the tournament championship, prizes are also awarded to solvers in other skill levels, including rookies. Prizes are awarded in various age and geographical divisions as well.

The 2006 documentary Wordplay, directed by Patrick Creadon, focuses on Will Shortz and the ACPT. It includes interviews with many of the top competitors and climaxes with the final round of the 2005 tournament.

Winners of the ACPT

Multiple winners: Jon Delfin (7), Douglas Hoylman (6), David Rosen (4), Trip Payne (3), Tyler Hinman (2).

1978: Nancy Schuster
1979: Miriam Raphael
1980: Daniel Pratt
1981: Philip Cohen
1982: Stanley Newman
1983: David Rosen
1984: John McNeill
1985: David Rosen
1986: David Rosen
1987: David Rosen
1988: Douglas Hoylman
1989: Jon Delfin
1990: Jon Delfin
1991: Jon Delfin
1992: Douglas Hoylman
1993: Trip Payne
1994: Douglas Hoylman
1995: Jon Delfin
1996: Douglas Hoylman
1997: Douglas Hoylman
1998: Trip Payne
1999: Jon Delfin
2000: Douglas Hoylman
2001: Ellen Ripstein
2002: Jon Delfin
2003: Jon Delfin
2004: Trip Payne
2005: Tyler Hinman
2006: Tyler Hinman

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for American Crossword Puzzle Tournament ]

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