How to Play Crosswords
Quick Overview
A crossword puzzle consists of a grid of white and black squares. Players fill in words that read across and down based on clues provided. The goal is to fill in all the white squares with the correct letters, creating valid words that match the given clues.
Understanding the Grid
The standard crossword grid has several key elements:
- White squares: These are the squares you fill in with letters.
- Black squares: These separate the words and define the grid structure.
- Numbers: These appear in the top-left of certain white squares and correspond to clues.
- Across clues: Words that read from left to right.
- Down clues: Words that read from top to bottom.
Example crossword grid
Types of Clues
Crossword clues come in several varieties. Understanding the different types will help you solve puzzles more efficiently:
Straightforward Clues
These clues directly define the answer or provide a synonym.
Clue: "Capital of France" (5)
Answer: PARIS
Fill-in-the-Blank Clues
Part of the clue has a blank that needs to be filled in.
Clue: "_____ and behold" (2)
Answer: LO
Wordplay Clues
These involve puns, anagrams, hidden words, or other word tricks.
Clue: "Confused name tags" (anagram) (7)
Answer: MAGNETS (rearranging the letters in "name tags")
General Knowledge Clues
These test your knowledge of facts, current events, history, geography, etc.
Clue: "Author of Pride and Prejudice" (6)
Answer: AUSTEN
Solving Strategy
- 1. Start with fill-in-the-blank clues
These are typically the easiest to solve and give you some letters to work with.
- 2. Look for short answers
Three and four-letter words often have limited possibilities and are easier to figure out.
- 3. Use crossing letters
Once you have some answers filled in, use these letters to help solve intersecting words.
- 4. Consider the tense and number
Pay attention to whether the clue suggests a past tense verb, plural noun, etc.
- 5. Watch for repeated themes
Many crosswords have themes where multiple answers relate to a common subject.
- 6. Use pencil first
If you're not sure of an answer, write it in pencil so you can change it if needed.
- 7. Don't be afraid to guess
If you have some letters filled in, make an educated guess and see if it works with crossing words.
Advanced Techniques
Learn Crosswordese
"Crosswordese" refers to words that appear frequently in crosswords but rarely in everyday language. Examples include:
- ETUI – A small ornamental case
- ADIT – An entrance or access
- APSE – Part of a church
- OLEO – Margarine
- ESNE – A laborer or slave in Anglo-Saxon England
Recognize Clue Patterns
Certain clue patterns suggest specific answers:
- Clues with question marks often indicate wordplay or puns
- Abbreviations in clues usually hint that the answer is also an abbreviation
- Foreign words in clues might suggest the answer is in that language
Work Systematically
If you're stuck, try working through all the across clues, then all the down clues. Sometimes seeing a clue again after solving some intersecting words can trigger the answer.
Common Crossword Variants
Cryptic Crosswords
Popular in the UK, these have complex clues that contain both a straight definition and wordplay. Each clue is a puzzle in itself.
Clue: "Mixed-up ape in cathedral city (4)"
Answer: PISA (anagram of "ape" + "in" = cathedral city)
Themed Crosswords
These puzzles have a unifying theme that connects some of the longer answers. Recognizing the theme can help you solve related clues.
Diagramless Crosswords
These don't show the black squares, so you must determine the grid pattern as you solve.
Tips for Beginners
- Start with Monday or Tuesday puzzles (in publications that increase difficulty through the week)
- Use online resources to look up answers you don't know – it's a great way to learn
- Solve with a friend to combine knowledge
- Don't get discouraged – crossword solving is a skill that improves with practice
- Pay attention to the editor – different editors have different styles
- When truly stuck, take a break and return with fresh eyes