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

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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).

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