Small grids, everyday words and Autocheck already on: wrong letters turn red as you type, so you always know where you stand.
Why start here
These puzzles use our smallest grids — the 5×5 Mini and the 7×7 Midi — with short answers made of common words. Autocheck is switched on, so a wrong letter turns red right away instead of at the end. When you finish one, press New puzzle for another.
Five tips for your first crosswords
- Start with the clues you are sure about. Every answer gives you letters for the words that cross it.
- Fill-in-the-blank clues (“Salt and ___”) are usually the easiest: they have one natural answer.
- Count the squares. The answer has exactly as many letters as there are squares in its row or column.
- Match the clue's form: a plural clue wants a plural answer, a verb clue wants a verb.
- Stuck on a word? Reveal one square — a single letter often unlocks the whole answer.
Ready for more?
When the small grids feel easy, try the Daily Midi without Autocheck, and then the themed 12×12 Daily Crossword. Our solving tips and the crossword solver help when you get stuck.