How-to's & Tutorials

A Brief Introduction to Diagramless Puzzles
An intro to diagramless crossword puzzles by Patrick Jordan. Complete with a puzzle to get you started.

Crossword Construction Tips
Nancy Salomon shares some valuable tips for the novice constructor. If you would like to create a puzzle that solvers will enjoy (and editors will buy), take Nancy's advice to heart.

Basic Rules of Crossword Construction
Will Shortz (NYTimes puzzle editor) provides this along with his style sheet, to new constructors who send him puzzles. It's very basic but contains useful information for those new to construction.

Chuck's Crossword Column - Birds
A column describing Crossword Birds most often used in puzzles along with pictures and links to information about the words.

Chuck's Crossword Column - Dogs & Cats
A column describing Dogs & Cats most often used in puzzles along with pictures and links to information about the words.

Before You Buy (1)

Product Reviews (2)

Top Picks (9)

Chuck's Crossword Column - Art & Artists
A column describing Art & Artists most often used in puzzles along with pictures and links to information about the words.

Chuck's Crossword Column - French
A column describing French Words & Phrases most often used in puzzles along with pictures and links to information about the words.

Chuck's Crossword Column - Movie Stars
A column describing Actors & Actresses most often used in puzzles along with pictures and links to information about the words.

Clue-Solving for Beginners
A guide to solving cryptic crosswords. Thanks to Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon, America's premiere puzzlers.

Cryptics Decrypted
An ongoing tutorial with lessons added over time, promises the author, Michael Bennett, who hopes to inspire people to try cryptics.

Enigma's Guide to Cryptic Crosswords
From the National Puzzler's League, a great online cryptic solving tutorial by Trazom.

Guardian Unlimited's Cryptic Tutorial
The Golden Rule for setting a good cryptic clue was laid down by Ximenes of the Observer, the late DS McNutt (1902-71): "I may not mean what I say, but I must say what I mean."

Guardian Unlimited's Anatomy of a Cryptic Crossword
Offers a cryptic grid with answers filled in and each clue explained. Recommended.

The Logic Problems Page
A good site with a detailed tutorial on how to create logic problems. Also includes lots of puzzles.

Making Your Own Crosswords
From planning the grid to filling in the entries, a very good basic lesson on standard American style crossword puzzle creation. Recommended

Solving Cryptograms
Jim Loy's comprehensive guide to decrypting cryptograms. Includes a sample puzzle.