Basic Crossword Strategies

1. Start with What You Know (The Easy Ones First)

It may sound obvious, but the absolute best way to get a good start is to quickly scan the entire crossword and fill in the clues you are completely sure of. This is especially true for "fill-in-the-blank" clues (e.g., "A rolling stone gathers no ___") or very short words. Every correctly filled word gives you more letters to work with for the harder words and builds momentum.

2. Look for Short Words (2-3 letters)

Words with two or three letters are often easier to figure out. They usually contain common letter combinations and many vowels. Solving these quickly can give you important "key letters" that help unlock longer and more complicated words nearby. Examples of common short English crossword words include: OF, TO, IN, IT, IS, BE, AS, AT, SO, WE, HE, BY, OR, AN, AXE, ORE, ATE, EAT, TEA, SEA, ARE, ERA, PEA.

3. Use Intersecting Words to Your Advantage (Check and Verify)

Every letter you fill in is a potential clue for another, intersecting word. Focus on areas where many words intersect – these are often hubs in the crossword. If you're unsure about a word, see what letters are already there from intersecting words. A single correct letter from an intersecting word can confirm your guess or show that you're on the wrong track.

4. Consider Tenses, Plurals, and Forms

Pay attention to the grammatical form of the clue. If a clue is in the plural (e.g., "cars"), the answer is likely also in the plural (e.g., "VEHICLES," "ROADS"). The same logic applies to verbs in different tenses (past, present, future). The clue "ran" suggests a past-tense answer. Common English plural endings are -S, -ES, -IES.

5. Read the Clue Carefully – Understand the Clue Type

Not all clues are created equal. Try to identify what type of clue you're dealing with:

• Definition/Synonym: The most common type, where the answer is a definition or synonym of the clue (e.g., "Large cat" -> "LION").
• Fill in the blank: Often easy to start with (e.g., "___ and cheese" -> "MACARONI").
• Anagram: The letters of a word or phrase are rearranged to form the answer. Often marked with "(scramble)" or similar.
• Homophones: Words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings (e.g., "knight / night").

6. Pay Attention to Punctuation and Signals

A question mark (?) at the end of a clue often signals that it involves wordplay, a pun, or a less literal interpretation. An exclamation mark (!) can also indicate something unusual or a twist. Be prepared to think outside the box when you see these signs.

7. Use a Pencil or Be Prepared to Erase

Crossword solving is an iterative process. It's perfectly fine to take a guess at a word and then change it if it turns out to be wrong. Using a pencil makes it easy to erase. If you're solving digitally, don't be afraid to type and delete.

8. Take Breaks When You're Stuck

If you find yourself staring blankly at a particularly tricky part of the crossword, take a short break. Do something else for a while and then come back with "fresh eyes." You'll often see solutions or new angles when you return after a pause.

9. Work in Sections

Instead of jumping around randomly throughout the entire crossword, try to focus on a specific section or corner at a time. By solving several words in a limited area, you can build a network of letters that will help you crack even the toughest clues in that section.

10. Learn Common Abbreviations and Acronyms

Many crosswords use common abbreviations. Recognizing these can be a great help. Examples in English:

• ASAP: As Soon As Possible
• NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• CEO: Chief Executive Officer
• RSVP: Répondez s'il vous plaît
• AKA: Also Known As

This list is just the beginning. The more crosswords you solve, the more patterns and common abbreviations you will recognize.

With these basic strategies in your toolkit, you are well-equipped to tackle most crosswords. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you solve, the faster and more intuitively you'll be able to apply these techniques.

Ready for the next level and to master even tougher challenges? Explore our in-depth strategies.