Crossword guide: solve clues with crossing letters

01Choose a grid and understand the goal

Mini uses a 5×5 grid, Easy uses 7×7, and Classic Adults uses 11×11. Kids puzzles offer familiar themes and, where provided, picture hints or a word bank. Choose Easy for direct clues or Mini for a smaller board; a smaller grid does not make every clue obvious.

Each white square holds one letter. Across and Down answers share the same square at a crossing, so both clues must support its letter. Black squares separate words. Filling every square is not enough: all required letters must be correct. The timer measures solving time without imposing a deadline.

02Select the clue before typing

Click or tap a clue to select its answer, or select a white square. Select the same crossing square again to change direction. Check the highlighted word before typing: an answer entered in the wrong direction can overwrite useful crossing letters. On a phone, tap the square and use the keyboard that opens.

Typing advances along the selected word. Arrow keys move through the grid; Backspace removes the current letter, or steps back within the word when the current square is empty. Delete clears the selected square. The Skip filled option changes typing advance, so turn it off when deliberately replacing a doubtful answer.

03Turn a short answer into useful evidence

Scan both clue lists and start with short answers whose meaning you recognize. Count the squares before entering a word. After each confident answer, inspect the crossing clues immediately: one well-placed letter can distinguish several words of the same length. Leave an uncertain guess open to revision.

In the illustrative pattern C _ T, CAT and COT both fit the letters, but a clue about a pet supports CAT. The crossing letter is a constraint, not the whole answer. If a crossing clue strongly suggests O, compare both clues again instead of forcing CAT. Resolve the weaker answer first, then check the surrounding words.

04Use help to diagnose a specific problem

A filled grid that stays unfinished often contains a plausible but incorrect word. Use Check Answers on the current word to narrow the search, or check the puzzle for a wider review. Checks identify incorrect entered letters; empty cells still need solving. Re-read each affected clue before asking for a full solution.

Try the clue's extra nudge before revealing a letter or word. Nudges, reveals, picture hints, word banks, the answer sheet and automatic checking can mark the attempt as assisted; Undo does not erase that history. Avoid using a hint merely to confirm every easy answer if your goal is independent solving. After a reveal, explain why the word fits and apply its crossings yourself.

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