r/crossword • u/Electronic_Tank_2945 • 3d ago

Beginner and want to decrease time

Hey guys, just wanted to come on here to see if there are on recommendations for a newbie like me. My time today was 27 minutes and I just am a bit disappointed. I’m 20 and literally just started getting into crosswords, so I know it’ll take some time before I start getting my times down.

Besides just doing more crosswords do yall have anything specific that you do to decrease solve time? Also how much do you think it’s just an IQ filter—I’m curious as to the consensus on that is.

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u/Intelligent_Yam_3609 3d ago

There are a number of conventions in the way clues are written that once you become familiar with will aid in solving.

  1. The clue and answer will match in singular/plural 

  2. The clue and answer will match in tense

  3. Clues with an abbreviation will generally have an abbreviation as the answer

  4. Clues ending in a ? have some sort of wordplay or misdirection 

  5. Themed puzzles will usually have a revealer clue that explains the theme (58A in Mondays puzzle)