Who does not remember those hours and hours sitting over a crossword puzzle only to feel that wonderful satisfaction at having solved it?
December 21st is a great day to celebrate because it is National Crossword Puzzle Day! This is a fun and challenging pastime, enjoyed since 1913, with minds of all ages enthralled by it. For the novice as well as the seasoned crossworder, this day is for you.
Let’s move into the world of crosswords and explore why they are liked so much. From sharpening vocabulary to boosting up brainpower, crosswords offer numerous benefits, perfect for entertainment and mental workout.
So, grab a pencil and join in the fun as we honor over a century of crossword puzzles!
History of National Crossword Puzzle Day
National Crossword Puzzle Day is on December 21. The date reminds one of the one on which the very first crossword puzzle was prepared and used in the New York World newspaper on 21st December, 1913. Its originator was a British-born journalist by the name Arthur Wynne, and was working for that newspaper.
Before long, it became the darling of everybody’s favourite pastime. Easy in sense but challenging in form-this was what made it so loved by puzzle enthusiasts. Of course, we all know the first crossword wasn’t a rectangle but diamond-shaped and miles from the rectangle that has become so common today that everybody assumes it to be the only common practice today.
It was not long in coming and by the 1920s, it featured in most US newspapers and magazines. Then the first book of crosswords was published in 1924 and there they were, here to stay in popular culture.
A great time to celebrate this brilliant brain teaser is National Crossword Puzzle Day. It happens to be one of those days that might encourage enjoying fun, mentally stimulating benefits from a crossword puzzle. Whether they are a seasoned pro or a rookie, solving a crossword can be a great exercise for a person’s brain while getting relaxed.
So on December 21, take some time to understand the history behind the puzzle and maybe even solve a crossword for yourself!
Tips for Solving Crossword Puzzles
Solving crosswords can be one of the excellent hobbies. Here are easy tips on how to start and, later, improve your skills.
Easy Beginner’s Puzzles
- Easy beginner’s puzzles make you feel confident. So, look for those that are marked “easy” or “beginner.”
Fill in the blanks first:
- Those clues which have the answers in the form of fill-in-the-blank are easier to find. Start with them and then move ahead so that you get the rhythm going.
Look for Short Answers:
- You tend to find short words easy to fill in. Do the 3- and 4-letter words first.
Do the Easiest Clues First:
- Read through all the clues and begin solving the easiest you come across. This will get you a few letters for some of the more challenging clues.
Use Common Letter Combinations:
- Be aware of common prefixes, suffixes, and letter combinations, such as “ing,” “ed,” or “tion.” Most crosswords have a theme.
- If you know the theme, you’ve got a pretty good idea of what the answers should look like.
Cross-check Answers
- Use the known answers to fill in the corresponding letters to help you solve the intersecting clues. If the word still does not fit, red flag that one of the answers is wrong.
Think Outside the Box:
- Some clues in crosswords are also a play on words-even a pun. Do not read the clue literally and think of other meanings sometimes.
Take a Break:
- When you get stuck, away you go and come back the next day with fresh eyes. And sometimes it is the second pair of eyes that notices what you didn’t catch the first time.
Use a Pencil
- If working on paper use a pencil so you can rub out the errors easily.
Practice Frequently
- Practice makes perfect. The more crosswords you do, the better you will be. Make solving crosswords a part of your daily routine.
Best Crossword Puzzles for National Crossword Puzzle Day
National Crossword Puzzle Day would be a great time to look into some fun challenging puzzle pieces. Whether beginner or experienced, there’s still plenty to go around and explore. Here are a few of the best ones:
Daily Crossword Puzzles:
Many newspapers and websites offer free daily crosswords, New York Times, USA Today, and more. Crosswords come in several levels of difficulty so you can select a level of skill easily.
Online Puzzle Games:
Pogo or Arkadium sites offer easy to play, free crossword puzzles. You can solve them on the computer or your phone. A perfect choice for fun any time.
Crossword puzzles can sometimes have more enjoyable themes such as films, holidays, or animals. These would be fantastic if you are a fan of any of the topics, or even several!
Apps:
There are numerous applications called Crossword Free, or NY Times Crossword you could download on your cell or tablet. They feature crossword puzzles in all abilities and are playable from anywhere
Printable Crosswords:
If you enjoy working with paper, you can also download free printable crosswords online. PrintablePuzzles.net is one site that provides easy-to-print puzzles for enjoyment on National Crossword Puzzle Day.
Sunday Crosswords:
Sunday puzzles are larger and harder to complete. They’re great for people who like a more laid-back, long-form puzzle experience on a special day.
Crossword Puzzle Books:
If you prefer something more of a touch, you can find many books with crosswords. The books may range from the easiest to the hardest, depending on your favorite level of difficulty. You can find books with crosswords in all bookstores and online libraries.
The best time to play this exciting and funny brain game of solving is crossword puzzle day, regardless of the type.
Conclusion
National Crossword Puzzle Day is the ultimate celebration of fun and challenges with crossword puzzles. The event encourages anyone to be engaged in solving their very first puzzle or to try and solve some of their toughest puzzles ever. All one needs to do to be a part of the celebrations is to try some new puzzles or share those that they love with others. So, grab a crossword, get off the routine, and savor the thrill of puzzle-solving on December 21st!
