Word Buff's Totally Unfair
Crossword Guide
What is it about solving a crossword puzzle?
"Making synaptic connections that have lain dormant for years causes something deep in the pleasure center to squeeze out
a juicy shot of chemical goodness."
—Jim HorneI mean, we all know they improve your vocabulary, and they're supposed to put the brakes on Alzheimers and all that jazz, but Jim Horne's answer above gels much better with me. If it gels with you too, then keep reading, because I've put together a whole bunch of pages to help you squeeze more 'chemical goodness' out of your hobby.
And what's more... if you can't find what you're looking for on one of the following pages JUST ASK ME, by visiting Word-Buff's Crossword Help LineI answer most questions within 48 hours.
Word Lists
If you solve puzzles regularly, you'll start to see certain words appear time and time again. Naturally enough, these words are called repeaters, and the sooner you get your head around them the better. So here are some important word lists to get you started...
Repeaters
Common 3-Letter Words
Common 4-Letter Words
Common 5-Letter Words
Greek Alphabet
Hebrew Alphabet
Chinese-Japanese-Crosswordese?
Tips & Tricks
You might have noticed a button on the navigation bar (up on the left) called Tips. This is where I publish articles that are especially targeted to beginners. Those articles cover the entire gamut of word games and puzzles, so I've collected the ones that relate specifically to crosswords and grouped them together here to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for...
Anatomy of a Crossword Clue
How to Solve Crossword Puzzles
Crossword Jargon for Beginners
Introduction to Crossword Puzzle Software
Introduction to Online Crossword Puzzles
Where to Find Free Online Crossword Puzzles
Interviews
I'm always chasing interviews with interesting word-buffs. Whether it's puzzle champions, software creators, game inventors or just fascinating eccentrics, I track them down and publish our discussions in the Word-Buff Interview Room.Below are the people I've met so far that I thought might interest cruciverbalists the most...
Michael A. Charles
Dan Feyer
Tyler Hinman
Antony Lewis
Kevin McCann
Trip Payne
Reviews
Now and then I come across a terrific resource for cruciverbs. Sometimes it's a 'must-have' book or DVD, other times it's a nifty tool for making or solving puzzles.When I get a chance I write up a reasonably detailed review of the product, sometimes even with a demonstration if I can find the time. When this happens I'll add a link to the following list...
21st Century Crossword Puzzle Dictionary
Across Lite
Crossword Compiler
Crossword Maestro
Community
Looking for others to share your passion for word puzzles? I'm scouring the Web for activities, events and organizations that get word-buffs together to enjoy their hobby in good company.I've listed the groups and activities that are most likely to interest you below, but feel free to pop on over to the Word Games Noticeboard where you'll find even more...
Cruciverb - Crossword Puzzle Making Community
American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
Cruiseword Tournament
And Just For Fun...
Finally, if you're just browsing to kill some time, here's a fun article you might like. It's
the lonely story of Garson Hampfield
- the only man in the world with the occupation of Crossword Inker.
And really and truly finally... If you haven't yet signed up for my free Word-Buff Stuff! newsletter, here's your chance. From time to time I'll send you cool word puzzles, interesting articles about word games, and links to some nice freebies. You'll also be on the 'first-to-know' list when I stumble across a great resource for serious puzzlers. Just enter your email address and first name (or nickname if you prefer) in the box below, click Subscribe, and you'll be on my special members list in seconds!
Find out more...
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