Facing a blank crossword puzzle can be a daunting challenge. Knowing where to begin is the first step. Many people will start in the upper left corner, fail to solve the first clues and quit in frustration.
The best way to start is to glance through the clues and look for a simple question. Often the puzzle will include something like ____ Poppins. Most people will know that the answer is Mary. If the answer is four boxes, load it in, it’s probably right. That’s a start.
Then review the clue that overlaps with each letter of Mary. Build on what is there until a section of the puzzle is complete, and proceed to the rest of the puzzle.
How Newspaper Puzzles Work
Many people get their crossword fix from the daily newspaper. The New York Times and Los Angeles Times crosswords are syndicated in many newspapers across the United States. These puzzles have similar characteristics.
The puzzles get harder each day until Saturday. Saturday’s puzzle is the most difficult. For those starting out, or who need an easier puzzle, Monday is the simplest and most straightforward. Sunday puzzles are larger than the weekday puzzles but not as difficult as Saturday.
Crossword Puzzle Themes
As the week progresses, the answers become more obscure. More importantly, the clues to solve are designed to be trickier. In the above example, the designer may still want the answer to be “Mary”, but a Saturday clue might be “one of a 60’s trio.” It will be necessary to find some letters to determine the answer is Mary of Peter, Paul and Mary fame.
Weekday puzzles are fifteen squares across and fifteen down. Some answers will span the entire length of the puzzle, up or down.
Puzzle answers can be one or more words, and rarely is the number of words identified in the clue.
The puzzle often has a theme, or answers that are similar or have something in common. The clues for these special answers are often followed by a question mark. In puzzles, a question mark signifies that answer will be unexpected, or offbeat.
For instance, a clue might say, “returning after the third time?” with a twelve letter answer. The designed answer might be “fourthcoming” which is an offbeat spelling of forthcoming.
The designer might then have a series of answers that include one through four, which make up the theme of the puzzle. Identifying the theme can make solving the other theme clues easier.
Educational and fun, crossword puzzles are great way to pass the time. So sit down, grab a pencil (or a pen if you dare) and give one a try.
