How to Solve a Crossword Puzzle

Crosswords reward a little strategy. With a few good habits, even a tricky grid becomes approachable. Here's how experienced solvers work.

Fill the easy answers first

Read every clue once and pencil in the ones you're sure of. Short words and fill-in-the-blank clues are usually the easiest. Each answer you place gives you crossing letters that unlock the harder clues.

Let the crossings help

• A single crossing letter can turn a hard clue into an obvious one.
• If two answers disagree on a shared square, one of them is wrong, recheck both.
• Themed puzzles reuse a subject, so once you spot the theme, related answers come faster.

When you're stuck

Step away for a minute, or switch to a different corner. Fresh eyes often see the answer instantly. And there's no shame in checking the solution, it's how you learn new words for next time.

Solve in comfort

Our large print crosswords use roomy squares and clear, friendly clues, so you can focus on solving instead of squinting. Each puzzle has one fun theme, and full answer grids are in the back.