Neural Crossword Solver Outperforms Humans for the First Time

But AI-enhanced algorithm still trails humans at cryptic crosswords.

The Physics arXiv Blog iconThe Physics arXiv Blog
By The Physics arXiv Blog
May 25, 2022 8:20 AMMay 25, 2022 7:49 PM
crossword
(Credit:Billion Photos/Shutterstock)

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Crosswords are one of humanity’s most popular pastimes. They consist of a set of clues to answers which form a grid of overlapping words. The goal is to complete the grid.

Crosswords are one area of endeavor where humans significantly outperform machines. Indeed, the most prestigious competition is the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, which is held every year and has always been won by a human.

In 2017, a machine called Dr Fill achieved a respectable 11th place out of over six hundred contestants. But a machine had never won the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. Until last year.

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