SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack Center for Writing will host its first ever crossword tournament on Saturday, May 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hex and Hop Brewing, located at 1719 state Route 3, Bloomingdale.

Competitors will race, as individuals or in teams of two, to complete soon-to-be published puzzles by The New York Times. Scoring will be based on speed and accuracy; top finishers will square off in a final, Sunday-length puzzle.

The event will be emceed by Ken Aaron, an ACW board member and longtime solver — the 123rd-fastest crossword solver in the world as a matter of fact. “I’m so excited to bring a crossword tournament to the North Country, and meet some fellow crossword-lovers,” Aaron said. “The goal is for people to come out and just have a good time — it doesn’t matter what ability level you are. The point is to have fun. And go fast, if you can.”

The puzzles at the event will be geared toward novice crossworders. “I’m especially grateful to Will Shortz and the puzzles team at The New York Times, which has graciously agreed to provide us with soon-to-be-published crosswords,” Aaron said. “These puzzles will be on the easier side, Monday- through Wednesday-level. So they’ll provide a great introduction to competitive crossword solving.”

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and event check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. The cost to enter is $40 for individuals and $75 for a team of two.

Register at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/acwxw.

All proceeds from the event will support ACW and its mission to inspire the love of writing, reading and storytelling.