How To Solve Crossword Puzzles

courtesy of: Bern Kreissman

Part 1 of 2

I have been attacking crosswords like crazy for almost 6 months now.  But before I go to the point of this blog … let me first thank my suppliers of daily free crosswords —  Webcrosswords.com, crosswordhaven.com and  joseph.king-online.com.  Now down to business. 

1. Make crosswords a daily habit.  Every day I answer 4 crossword puzzles.  I usually start with the easiest to the most difficult.  In my case, this would be the Thomas Joseph crossword, the  webcrosswords daily, USA Today and LA Times. 

I admit that the Thomas Joseph puzzle wasn’t always easy for me.  But, I have been on this crossword the longest compared with the other 3 so  I have become familiar with the author’s style in giving clues and, of course, it can’t be helped that there are clues and answers that come up again and again. 

2.  Take a break.    It is normal to go completely “DUH?” on several clues. But, believe me, taking a break seems to reboot your mind and when you back to your unfinished puzzle…the answers come … just like that.  Now, I don’t really know how that happens. In fact,  on those AHA moments I feel like an idiot. The answer can’t be more glaringly simple and common. 

3. Use a reliable pencil and eraser.  I am what my senior high teacher would label as insecure.  I write in an obvious “LOOK AT ME” style.  This translates to having a handwriting that is BIG and HEAVY using stand-out colors like RED, GREEN, VIOLET preferably in FELT TIP pens.   In answering crosswords,  though, I would say using pencil is preferable or you risk ending up with unsightly blots and erasures — worse, you may get confused by faulty answers haphazardly erased.  Remember that it is not often one can get the correct answers  immediately.  

4.  Be Patient.   It is rare to complete a reasonably-made  (i.e. appropriate for your age and mental capability) crossword puzzle on your very first time.   So  do not be too hard on yourself if you can’t complete one yet. It really does take time.  Just have fun while you are at it and don’t forget to learn new words, get acquainted with names, places and titles.

Part 2 will be on how to tackle CLUES.