Crossword puzzles are a favorite pastime of Tip Diva’s, and can be useful if you have some time to spare on your commute, waiting for an appointment or even filling idle time. But these puzzles can be frustrating to many people. Here are some tips on how to improve your game:

• Start Small - Don’t expect to be able to finish the New York Times’ Sunday puzzle on your first shot. If you do newspaper crossword puzzles, start with the Monday version and work from there. Most newspapers’ crossword puzzles get more difficult as the week goes on, peaking with the hardest on Sunday. Or, buy a crossword compilation book aimed at your skill level. You can find them at news stands and bookstores like Barnes & Noble.
• Increase Your Word Power - Carry around a pocket dictionary and thesaurus and make sure to look up new words as you come across them. Learn the words, and bring them into your everyday vocabulary. If you subscribe to Reader’s Digest, read the “It Pays To Increase Your Word Power” feature. Or try playing Scrabble, Boggle, UPWORDS, Jot and other word-powered board games. You can even find these games and other crossword puzzles online to play. Also make sure to work on your spelling and grammar, as both can throw a puzzle off!
• Work Across And Down Together - Don’t just work across, then work down. Work both directions together. For instance, you may have the across-word STAB, which leads to down-words STOWS, TABOOS, AMENDEMENTS and BEY. The fifth letters of the first three down-words will help you fill in the across-word SODAPOP. Doing the puzzle this way may jog your brain if you have a few letters already waiting for you.
• Only Fill In What You’re Sure Of - Sometimes, answers can go two ways. If you’re not sure which one should fill the spot, do not put a word down, as it could mess up your game going forward. Only write down what you’re absolutely sure of.
• Mark Plural Answers - Put a star or asterisk next to clues that will have a plural answer. Keep these in mind as you fill in the clues, as a plural s can help you form a word in the other direction. But remember, plurals don’t necessarily have to end in an s… how about geese and mice?
• Pay Attention To The Theme - Many crossword puzzles have themes, which are noted in the title. For instance, a puzzle may be titled “Easter Parade,” and you’ll find answers like PETER RABBIT, CHOCOLATE BUNNY and COLORED EGGS in the puzzles. Themed words and phrases are especially found in the longest answers. Sometimes, there will be no title, but you can figure out the theme on your own from similar answers.
• Think Outside The Box - Many times, answers aren’t literal. Krishnamurthy Srinivasa has a great page on tips and tricks to solving these cryptic clues.
• Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help - If you can’t figure out the six-letter word that starts with a P, ends in an E, and means “a contrivance designed to be solved,” don’t be afraid to ask someone for help. You may wind up smacking yourself in the head and saying, “Duh!” once you figure out the answer, but it may help you solve the… PUZZLE.
• Put The Puzzle Down And Play Later - If you find yourself getting frustrated, tired or your head starts to pound, it’s time to put the puzzle down. Work on it later when you’re refreshed - it’s amazing what some brain rest can do for a puzzle!
• Practice, Practice - You’ll never solve that New York Times Sunday puzzle without doing easier crosswords first. Keep practicing to increase your skill level, and in no time, you’ll be filling out those weekend warriors.

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