Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles challenge you to fill a grid of white squares with words that intersect horizontally and vertically, using clues to guide each answer. This timeless word game sharpens vocabulary, pattern recognition, and lateral thinking while providing a satisfying mental workout. Whether you solve during your morning coffee or unwind before bed, crosswords offer endless replay value with new puzzles published daily.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Pencil with eraser($0)
- ●Free online crossword (Washington Post Easy Crossword or similar)($0)
Optional
- ○Newspaper crossword section($1-3)
- ○Crossword puzzle book($5-12)
How To Do It
- 1
Choose a beginner puzzle
Start with a Monday puzzle or one labeled 'Easy.' Monday crosswords from major publications are intentionally designed for newcomers with straightforward clues and common vocabulary. The Washington Post Easy Crossword and USA Today daily puzzles are excellent free options.
- 2
Scan for easy wins
Read through all the clues quickly, filling in any answers you know immediately. Focus especially on clues (like 'To ___ is human') and short 3-5 letter words, as these tend to be the easiest.
- 3
Use the crossings
When stuck on a clue, look at the intersecting words. Even one or two letters from answers can help you figure out a difficult word. Work one section or corner at a time rather than jumping around randomly.
- 4
Pay attention to clue grammar
Crossword creators follow strict rules: if a clue is in past tense, the answer will be too. Plural clues get plural answers. Abbreviated clues (marked 'Abbr.') require abbreviated answers. Use these patterns to narrow possibilities.
- 5
Look things up freely
There's no shame in using a dictionary, searching the internet, or consulting a crossword solver for a stubborn clue. You're learning, and the same trivia often repeats across puzzles. What you look up today becomes knowledge for tomorrow.
- 6
Complete and reflect
Finish the puzzle, even if it takes multiple sessions. Review any clues you struggled with to build your crossword vocabulary. Note common '' words like ERA, ORE, OLIO, or ETUI that appear frequently in puzzles.
Tips
- →Work in pencil, not pen. This gives you permission to guess and erase mistakes. You'll learn more from trying answers than from leaving squares blank.
- →Common mistake: starting with the first clue and working sequentially. Instead, scan all clues first and fill in whatever you know immediately to build momentum.
- →When a clue ends with a question mark, expect wordplay or a pun. The answer won't be a straight definition but something clever or misleading.
- →Stick to one puzzle source when starting out. Each editor has a style, and familiarity helps you predict their patterns and favorite vocabulary.
- →If you're frustrated, walk away. Answers often become obvious when you return with fresh eyes 10-15 minutes later.
Communities
Resources
- Crossword Solver Guide
Comprehensive beginner guide with strategies for tackling clues and building solving skills.
- Reader's Digest Crossword Secrets
13 expert tips from professional crossword constructors and champions.
- Washington Post Easy Crossword
Free daily easy crossword edited by Stan Newman, perfect for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn crossword puzzles?
You can complete your first easy puzzle in 15-30 minutes. After 5-10 hours of practice with easy puzzles, you'll notice significant improvement in speed and confidence. Most people can tackle medium-difficulty puzzles within a few weeks of regular solving.
Do I need to buy anything to start?
No! Free puzzles are available online from the Washington Post, LA Times, and other sources. You just need a pencil if solving on paper, or use any device for digital puzzles. Newspaper subscriptions and puzzle books are nice but completely optional.
Is it cheating to look up answers?
Not at all. Looking things up helps you learn vocabulary that repeats across puzzles. Professional solvers recommend researching stuck clues rather than leaving them blank. The same trivia appears often, so today's lookup becomes tomorrow's instant answer.
Why can't I finish puzzles?
Start with easier puzzles. Monday crosswords are intentionally simple, while Saturday puzzles are the hardest. Also try sticking to one publication since each editor has consistent patterns. Don't be afraid to take breaks and return with fresh eyes.
What's the difference between American and cryptic crosswords?
American-style crosswords use straightforward definitions and every letter belongs to both an Across and Down word. British cryptic crosswords use wordplay, anagrams, and hidden meanings that require learning specific conventions. Start with American-style puzzles as a beginner.