![]() ![]() The screen will show you that the answer for 8 down is "Barbie" and 17 across is "justmarried." If you're not using a computer program, number your words first, then write them down in an across and a down list.ĩ Come up with clues. Don't forget to number your squares.Ĩ Once the words are filled in, a computer program will compile two lists: across and down. ![]() A dictionary and/or thesaurus also helps fill the grid. For example, if you need a word with five letters, with a d being the last letter and b being the first, a drop-down screen will show you examples of words (such as bored) that will fit that space and those letter needs. Sunday puzzles have a maximum of 140 words.ħ If you're using a computer-generated grid, most have help screens to suggest or even fill in these words. Daily puzzles have 72 to 78 words at most. Words with unusual letters (j, q, x, z, k, w) are prized by most puzzlemakers. Words with lots of vowels are easiest to build around. Phrases and brand names also are acceptable, as long as they're widely known. The words must be at least three letters long. Each daily puzzle has 35 to 40 black squares.Ħ Start filling in words that fit in the remaining blank spaces. Avoid creating L-shaped, or elbow, constructions because they're ugly. The black boxes must be symmetrically placed. These squares will determine how long the other words in the puzzle can be, and where they will cross. When you're done, the puzzle should look the same upside down as it does right-side up.ĥ Fill in the black boxes. If one answer starts four spaces from the top, and starts on the left edge of the puzzle, make the next one start four spaces from the bottom, and end at the puzzle's right edge. The themed answers don't have to cross each other, but they must be placed symmetrically: In other words, if "Cat in the Hat" is an answer, and the answer is going to run across the puzzle, make sure you leave as many blank spaces to the left of the first letter (c) as you leave to the right of the last letter (t). 4 If you're making a themed puzzle, start by filling in the themed answers, one letter per square. ![]()
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