American-style
Most letters are checked at crossings; themed puzzles are common.
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Overview 
Crossword
1 player · 10-40 min per session
Fill every open square with letters so that all across and down answers match their clues.
WordPuzzle
Goal & Core Rules
Fill every open square with letters so that all across and down answers match their clues.
- The grid consists of white squares (letters) and black squares (blocks).
- Each clue corresponds to an entry placed across or down starting at a numbered square.
- Letters are shared at crossings, so one answer constrains the other.
- Complete the puzzle when all entries are filled with valid answers.
Cryptic
Clues include wordplay and definitions; especially popular in the UK.
Mini
Smaller grids designed for quick solves.
Controls
Mouse
- Click a square to select it
- Click a clue to jump directly to that word
- Use the on-screen alphabet keys or type letters on the hardware keyboard
- Backspace/Delete: clear the current square
- Arrow keys: move to a neighboring square
Keyboard
- A-Z: enter letters
- Backspace/Delete: clear the current square
- Arrow keys: move to a neighboring square
- Tab or reselect the same square: switch between across and down
Touch
- Tap a square to select it
- Tap a clue to jump directly to that word
- Tap the same square again or use [Direction] to switch across/down
- Use the bottom alphabet keypad to enter letters
- Large boards can be played with scroll and pinch zoom together
Beginner Tips
- Start with the easiest clues and fill crossings to unlock harder ones.
- Use the grid pattern: word length and known letters narrow options fast.
- Don’t be afraid to pencil-in uncertain answers and revisit later.
Advanced Tips
- Learn common clue indicators (anagrams, abbreviations) in your puzzle style.
- For themed puzzles, hunt for the theme revealer—it explains many unusual answers.
- When stuck, switch sections: fresh crossings often break the block.
Origins & History
Modern crosswords are widely credited to journalist Arthur Wynne, who introduced an early “word-cross” puzzle in the New York World in 1913; the format then spread and diversified worldwide.
Timeline
- 1913 Arthur Wynne publishes an early crossword (“word-cross”) in the New York World.
- 1924 Simon & Schuster publishes an early bestselling crossword puzzle book series.
Notable People
- Arthur Wynne Credited with introducing the crossword format (1913)
FAQ
Do I need broad trivia knowledge?
It helps, but crossings and patterns often let you solve even unfamiliar clues.
What’s the difference between American and cryptic crosswords?
American clues are usually straightforward definitions, while cryptics combine definition plus wordplay.
Why are there black squares?
They separate entries and shape the grid, controlling word lengths and crossings.