As we launched our annual giant crossword, our games team answered questions about puzzles at The Globe

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The Globe’s annual giant Canada Day crossword is here, and puzzle fans everywhere are sharpening their pencils and getting ready to get to work.

This year, The Globe revamped its games, offering daily crosswords and other puzzles all in one place, and is focused on expanding its exclusive Canadian-made offerings for readers.

How to make a giant crossword

Puzzles and games editor Jess Shulman and digital games lead Jayne Bingler answered reader questions on the Canada Day crossword and how The Globe approaches puzzles in general.

What does it take to create a crossword puzzle? Why are cryptic crosswords so hard? Are puzzles important for keeping our brains sharp as we get older? Read our responses below.