Becoming a Pro at Solving Crossword Puzzles

Crossword Puzzles are so fun - until you get stuck. Like an episode of M*A*S*H* you can go crazy trying to think of that last little word! Every puzzle has an answer and you can find it. Don't give up.

The best way to become proficient at crossword puzzles is to do them. By completing lots and lots of crossword puzzles from easy to difficult you will learn more and gain experience in solving those clues. Be kind to yourself and use a pencil. Everyone makes mistakes and being able to correct them will make your crossword puzzle experience more enjoyable.

Other supplies that will help you besides pencils and erasers are a crossword puzzle dictionary (either on paper or online), other reference books, dictionary, atlas or encyclopedias and if you are like me - reading glasses. Good lighting is also useful and if the computer is at your side for reference it will be helpful.

Start by filling in all the answers you know. If you are sure of the word, fill it in first. Be sure to cross check with at least one of the other clues to make sure you are correct. Now that the crossword puzzle is well under way, you can move on to the more difficult work. You gain confidence by filling in the easy words first and you give yourself something to build on when trying to figure out the more difficult words.

Learn all the strange little crossword puzzle words that pop up frequently. Some words come up way more often in crossword puzzles than they do in real life. Crossword puzzle dictionaries and websites will help you become familiar with these. Some are words that almost no one would know without looking them up the first time.

If you are really stuck use a lifeline. What seems impossible to figure out to you may be very obvious to your husband, wife or roommate. Ask or call someone who may know the answer. Then you can move on to the next clue. It's no shame to ask for help. If no one can get the answer, put the puzzle away and pick it up later. You may see things in a new way when give it a rest.

You can find plenty of crossword puzzles in the daily newspapers and in magazines. You can pick up entire book s and magazines containing nothing but puzzles at your local newsstand. If you are truly addicted you can begin creating your own puzzles. This is great fun if you can find someone else willing to try to solve them.

Crossword puzzles are a good way to exercise your mind and keep busy. They are free or cheap and can be a solitary or group activity. Grab a pencil and give it a try.