Crossword (Chicago Sun-Times)

About Crossword (Chicago Sun-Times)

The Chicago Sun-Times runs a small games page next to its news: a Chicago Mini Crossword, this full crossword, sudoku, Word Flower, a word search and a Chicago jigsaw. The full crossword is the classic newspaper grid, credited in its info panel to Penny Press, the puzzle publisher.

The grid is about fifteen by fifteen with a symmetric pattern of black squares, and the clues are the familiar daily mix: short definitions, fill-in-the-blanks such as a film title with a word missing, and a few names from music and pop culture. Each puzzle opens on an info panel with its date and a Start button, a timer runs while you solve, and the Assist menu checks or reveals letters, words or the grid. There is also a Print button for solving on paper.

It is free on chicago.suntimes.com, which is funded by reader donations rather than a paywall. New puzzles go up at midnight Central time. It suits solvers who want a regular weekday-style grid that takes a coffee break or two, rather than a quick mini.

How to play Crossword (Chicago Sun-Times)

1. Open the Crossword on the Sun-Times games page and press Start on the dated info panel.
2. Click a square or a clue; the matching across or down answer is highlighted.
3. Type answers into the grid, using crossing letters to pin down the harder clues.
4. Open Assist to check or reveal a letter, a word or the whole puzzle if you are stuck.
5. Fill every square correctly to stop the timer.

Tips

• Begin with the fill-in-the-blank clues; they are usually the quickest way into a corner.
• Short three- and four-letter answers repeat often in newspaper grids, so learn the regulars.
• Use Print if you prefer solving on paper with a pen.

Questions