The basic rules and conventions behind a crossword
A crossword looks complicated at first because several conventions operate at once, but the underlying rules are straightforward. Every answer occupies a run of white squares, answers can intersect, and the letter at an intersection must satisfy both clues. Once those basics are clear, the numbered grid becomes much easier to read.
Across and Down entries
An Across answer runs from left to right. A Down answer runs from top to bottom. A number marks the first square of an entry. Because one square can begin both directions, the same number can appear in the Across list and the Down list. The number identifies the starting position; the clue tells you which direction to read.
How crossings work
When an Across and Down answer share a square, they share one letter. If one answer says the square must contain an R and the other answer would require a T, at least one of the two answers is wrong. This is the central checking mechanism built into a crossword. You do not need an external answer key to reason about many mistakes because the grid itself provides evidence.
Answer length matters
The number of white squares determines the length of an answer. That makes length one of the first filters you should apply to any clue. A possible synonym is not useful if it cannot physically fit the entry. When combined with a few crossing letters, length becomes a powerful way to narrow the possibilities.
Entering answers in the online player
Select a square or clue and type the letters for the answer. On desktop, a physical keyboard is convenient; on touch devices, the on-screen keyboard provides the same basic controls. Backspace removes an entered letter, and navigation lets you move through the grid. Selecting a clue also highlights its answer so you can see exactly which squares belong to it.
Checking, hints and reveals
Check is designed to identify incorrect filled squares. Hint provides a smaller intervention by helping with a selected square, while Reveal Answer gives you the complete selected entry. These tools are optional. If you want to practice solving independently, leave them untouched; if you are learning or simply want to finish a puzzle, use them when they are useful.
Pause, restart and new puzzles
Pause stops the timer and temporarily covers the grid. Restart clears the current attempt so you can begin that puzzle again. New Puzzle loads another generated crossword on pages where changing puzzles is allowed. The Daily Crossword remains tied to its daily experience, while the other puzzle pages are designed for repeated play.
There is more than one good solving style
Some solvers work clue by clue. Others fill a few easy answers, then move around the grid looking for useful crossings. Neither method is inherently correct. The important rule is that the final letters must satisfy the clues and the crossings together.
If you want to turn these conventions into a practical method, read How to Solve Crossword Puzzles. New solvers can start with the beginner guide before choosing an easy crossword.