Things You'll Need:
- An easy Crossword puzzle
- pencil
- Dictionary (online is fine)
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Step 1
Start by scanning the crossword for any easy answers and fill them in. Don't try to go in order, just find the easy ones. If you only find one or two, don't be discouraged - there's a lot more crossword tricks of the trade that you can use.
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Step 2
Look for crossword clues that need a plural answer. Pencil in an "S" at the end of each answer. (The word won't always end in "-s" but usually it will). Do the same with past tense answers ending in "-ed" and comparative answers ending in "-er," etc.
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Step 3
Look for crossword clues containing abbreviations. This means the crossword answer is abbreviated and there usually will be only a few possible crossword solutions. Example: "'60's U.S. Pres." Solution: JFK.
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Step 4
Means aLook for crossword clues ending in a question mark. This means the answer is silly or tricky, not complicated. Example: "Buck follower?" Crossword solution: "-aroo." After you've gone over the puzzle clues for "freebie" fill-ins, start over again at the first clue and look for answers with the help of the letters you've just entered.
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Step 5
Some crossword clues may require multiple word answers. They will usually be common phrases. Example: "Like peas ____" Solution: "Inapod" (never leave spaces in an answer phrase). More difficult crossword puzzles will have more multiple word answers and simpler crossword puzzles will probably have none.
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Step 6
The crossword puzzle's title is it's theme. The longest answers will usually relate to this theme and may be single word solutions or multiple word phrases. There will usually be four or five themed crossword answers but clever authors will have more. Somewhere in the clues may be one that gives away which answers are "themed." e.g. "Word meaning tired and a hint to the first word in 4, 13, 22 and 37 across." These will all be themed crossword answers.
