Summary | Quotes | References
Summary
- There's no "correct" sequence to read clues and solve a puzzle.
- It's ok to skip ahead or alternate direction, and make multiple passes.
- Fill 'easy' ("gimme") and FITB (Fill In The ___) answers first or if you get stuck.
- After filling in a word, focus on a subarea;
use existing letters in crossing words -- switch between Across and Down. - You might have to undo/erase an answer that fits but doesn't work.
- In a themed puzzle, if you figure out a long answer -- and the overall theme
-- maybe look next at other long entries. - In more difficult puzzles, sometimes the answer itself may be entered in a different direction,
e.g., backwards, upwards, taking a bend, or skipping black squares;
examples: e.g., NYT Thu, 1/21/2021; Universal, Sun, 1/13/2019: puz, sol pdf
Quotes
- “When, where and why did ‘Horizontal’ and ‘Vertical’ give way to ‘Across’ and ‘Down’?
Interestingly, Margaret Farrar, who edited the New York Times crossword from 1942 to 1968,
was also an editor or co-editor of Simon & Schuster puzzle books from its first publication
of one in 1924 until her death in 1984. So, when she started as the very first editor
for the New York Times Crossword in 1942, it seems she made the decision to use
“Across” and “Down” instead of what she had used as an editor at Simon & Schuster.
As for why, I cannot say. I imagine, though, that as crossword puzzles became more popular,
it made sense to have a common lexicon that was used across outlets."
~Christina Iverson, NYT Easy Mode newsletter; NYT; 12/8/2023 - "If you do not change direction,...
- "If you don't know where you are going,...
- I asked a friend if crossword compilers made up words...
- I'm doing a crossword, and I'm stuck on seven down.
It's seven letters long and the clue is "Lemonade drink, not Sprite"...
- "Are you aware that the standard crossword format presents difficulties for lefties?...
- "Grab the low-hanging fruit first...
- "Koko B. Ware is a crossword wrestler:...
- "You have brains in your head...
- "Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?...
References
- about.com: 1. FITB; 4. Guess!; 5. Don't Jump To Conclusions
- HSW 3: Start with What You Know Right Away; HSW 1: Work in Clusters of Columns
- HSW 9: Avoid Intersecting Unfamiliar Entries; Wonder 4. Erase Your Answers
- Newsday Crossword Solving Hints