CROSSWORD Lovers, how do you do the PUZZLE?

Question

There are many ways, many methods, to do a Crossword Puzzle.

If you like doing Crossword Puzzles, how do you usually do it?

Here are several methods that people use...

1 Do all the Across clues you can, in order, then all the Down clues you can, and then fill in what's left, until the entire puzzle is filled in.

2 Do all the Down clues you can, in order, then all the Across clues you can, and then fill in what's left, until the entire puzzle is filled in.

3 Do all the Across clues you can, in order, and the Down clues with each Across word, and then fill in what's left, until the entire puzzle is filled in.

4 Do all the Down clues you can, in order, and the Across clues with each Down word, and then fill in what's left, until the entire puzzle is filled in.

5 Randomly do Across and Down clues, whatever is easiest

6 Something else - please explain

7 I don't do Crossword Puzzles

Which of these do you usually do?

Please vote in the poll.

Chazmatazz269 · Accepted Answer

I do them in the order of the clues, starting with answers of which i am certain. Then i go through the clues again hoping that some letters in place will help determine which of my less certain answers were good and which were not. As i get more letters, it becomes easier to guess at clues that are otherwise completely baffling. If i absolutely cannot get it on my own, the internet can sometimes be helpful.
I tend to be better at themed crosswords. An overarching clue to help decipher all the other clues is a gift. Completely random crosswords are for the birds.

Sunrising · Accepted Answer

I do the across then down method first, then random what I think the easiest answers will be, then I give up unless there is a prize involved, then I cheat 😀

RandomGirl42 · Accepted Answer

I'm terrible at crosswords and a really poor sport so I usually do them by putting them in the woodstove.

purplepoppy · Accepted Answer

I rarely do them but I always do easiest first. the missing letter is usually W or Y

Cinematic Lily · Accepted Answer

I’m a total crossword nerd 😄 I usually go with your 3rd method. I scan all the Across clues, fill in whatever pops instantly, then with each word I check the Downs that intersect and build from there.

It feels like sketching a drawing: start with strong lines, then refine details as letters appear. Very satisfying when the grid suddenly “clicks” ✨🧩

FunkyMonkee · Answer

I'm not strict about it but I usually go across first and then down, mostly because that's the order the clues are laid out in. Sometimes, a word in a clue catches my eye, usually of something I can VERY easily answer or know a lot about and I'll do that first
Or, sometimes, just to piss off someone else or as a joke, I'll fill in all the answers with the name, Fred.

docster · Answer

I usually do it geographically. Starting in a corner and spreading out. If I get stuck, try a different area. If the clues are on paper, I'll go through all of them first, writing my guesses in the margin.

strateguy632 · Answer

Pairs of down that meet across, to help each other, narrow possibilities.  Hot E R Like hot her.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

Across, then Down, but I don't do crossword puzzles very often now. I did when I was younger.

Massageman · Answer

Work from the cut and dried/ obvious ones to the harder.

msc545 · Answer

Usually across then down but I rarely finish any crossword puzzles as I find them kind of annoying.

Anonymous · Answer

Random clues, which ever is easiest, that helps me with the more difficult ones.

NathanDavis · Answer

I roll dices...

exitseven · Answer

I do all the easy ones first.

KostasKouvalis · Answer

Either 1 or 2

CROSSWORD Lovers, how do you do the PUZZLE?

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CROSSWORD Lovers, how do you do the PUZZLE?

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