• by Fern Siegel , April 10, 2020

Given the demands of pandemic social distancing, The New Yorker is offering a new feature for its free crossword: Partner Mode.

Now, users can share solving crosswords — in the same room or different countries. Select the “Partner Mode” button or person with a plus sign in mobile, then share the link by text or email.

As soon as the intended receiver opens the link, their cursor appears in green alongside yours, and you can puzzle together — in real time or at your own pace.

Partner Mode is now available for both The New Yorker’s Weekday and Weekend crosswords. The magazine has created Crossword F.A.Q. for potential queries.

Even the experts are involved with virtual puzzle solving.

The magazine reports that when the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Stamford, Connecticut, was canceled in March, hundreds of participants created the “Crossword Tournament From Your Couch,” live-tweeting commentary and results.

Separately, last month, the magazine named Ben French vice president, consumer product. He is charged with executing the magazine’s digital-growth strategy.

In February, Condé Nast, parent company of The New Yorker, announced it was launching “Home/Made x Condé Nast,” packaging its home-related video series across its brands as an opportunity for advertisers to reach millennial "home-doers."