Crossword Blog
Plain-English guides to help you finish more crosswords.
19 October 2026 · 8 min readHow to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Beginner’s GuideEvery cryptic clue has two parts: a plain definition and a bit of wordplay. Learn the eight kinds of wordplay and the words that signal them, with worked examples.Read the guide →19 October 2026 · 6 min read40 Short Words That Appear in Almost Every CrosswordALOE, EPEE, ERNE, ETNA, OREO… The short, vowel-heavy words crossword setters love — with the clues they usually get. Learn them once and fill grids faster.Read the guide →19 October 2026 · 5 min readCrossword Tips for Beginners: 10 Ways to Finish More PuzzlesSimple habits that help you finish more crosswords: start with the blanks, use plurals and tenses, trust the crossing letters, and know when to take a break.Read the guide →