Which clues should you start with? Start with the easiest clues to help fill in your grid. Fill-in-the-blank clues are often the simplest because they use well-known names and phrases. The more puzzles you do, the more you’ll notice that creators reuse clues for common linking words like EAR, ALE, and ERE.
How do you interpret clues? Clues in a basic crossword puzzle usually follow rules to make solving easier. For instance, the tense of the clue tells you the tense of the answer. So, if the clue is “Used to hurry,” the answer will be RAN, not RUN. In harder puzzles, you’ll need to think creatively as the puzzle creator might use wordplay to make it trickier!
What are the most uncommon clues? Crossword puzzles are made for many different kinds of publications. A book of crosswords made for long-term use will use clues that stay relevant for years. But, a weekly newspaper crossword or a daily puzzle might have clues that refer to current events or famous people. These clues don’t last as long, but they make the puzzles more fun.
