Chapter 1
Completing the Grid:
How to Solve a Crossword
In This Chapter
▶ Getting to know crossword elements
▶ Letting the theme guide you
▶ Recognizing various types of clues
▶ Tapping helpful resources
M
any of us started working crossword puzzles in elementary school,
when our teachers had us fill in puzzles that reinforced our spelling,
reading, science, or social studies lessons of the day. Chances are you’ve been
familiar with the structure of crossword puzzles for a long time, and you’ve
probably had at least some experience working them.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re comfortable with them. In fact, you
may feel downright nervous when you sit down to work a crossword these
days. After all, what better way is there to test how much knowledge you’ve
accumulated — and retained — over the years? And what better way to feel like
a complete moron than to find yourself staring blankly at clue after clue?
Maybe you’ve long avoided crosswords precisely because they point out how
much you don’t know. And maybe you’re now ready to overcome your fears. As
I explain in Chapter 2, the benefits of working crosswords are potentially great.
Plus, they’re a lot of fun — after you get past the fear and frustration.
I offer lots of suggestions in this chapter for how to become a decent cross-
word puzzler. It doesn’t matter what your IQ is or how many years of schooling
you’ve had — you can enjoy crosswords, and I’m happy to show you how.