The crossword puzzles were provided in advance by Will Shortz of the New York Times.
The first round was next Monday's New York Time Puzzle. Fifteen minutes were given to complete the puzzle.
The second round used next Tuesday's puzzle. Twenty minutes were given.
The third round used next Wednesday's puzzle. Twenty minutes were also alloted.
The winner for each round moved on to the final round.
The three finalists solved the last puzzle in view of everyone. The winner, the man in the middle, was Robert White of Shaker Heights, Ohio.