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How to Play Crossword

Everything you need to know to start solving crossword puzzles like a pro. From basics to advanced strategies.

Quick Start (30 Seconds)

  1. 1Pick a puzzle from the daily crossword or browse our collection
  2. 2Click/tap a cell in the grid to select it
  3. 3Type your answer - the cursor moves automatically to the next cell
  4. 4Switch direction by clicking the same cell again or pressing Space
  5. 5Complete the puzzle - correct answers turn green!
Try It Now

Crossword Basics

What is a Crossword?

A crossword puzzle is a word game consisting of a grid of white and black squares. Your goal is to fill the white squares with letters to form words or phrases by solving clues that lead to the answers.

Words are arranged both horizontally (Across) and vertically (Down). Where words intersect, they share common letters, which helps you solve connected clues.

In Kenyan Crossword: Our puzzles feature clues about Kenyan culture, geography, history, Swahili words, famous personalities, and current events—making each puzzle both fun and educational!

Understanding the Grid

  • White squares: Empty cells where you enter letters
  • Black squares: Boundaries between words (cannot be filled)
  • Numbers: Indicate the start of a word and correspond to clue numbers
  • Highlighted cells: Show the currently selected word
  • Green cells: Correctly filled letters (when validation is on)

Controls & Navigation

Desktop Controls

Mouse Controls
  • • Click a cell to select it
  • • Click clue to jump to that word
  • • Click same cell twice to switch direction
Keyboard Shortcuts
  • • Arrow Keys - Navigate cells
  • • Tab - Jump to next word
  • • Space - Switch direction
  • • Backspace - Delete letter
  • • A-Z - Type letters

Mobile Controls

Touch Controls
  • • Tap a cell to select it
  • • Tap clue to jump to that word
  • • Tap same cell twice to change direction
  • • Swipe to scroll the grid
  • • Pinch to zoom in/out
Keyboard
  • • On-screen keyboard appears automatically
  • • Type letters directly
  • • Use delete/backspace to erase

Pro Tip: Rotate your device to landscape mode for a larger grid view!

Game Features

Timer

Track how long it takes to complete puzzles. Timer pauses when you switch tabs or minimize the app. Beat your personal best!

Hints

Stuck? Use hints to reveal letters. Guests get 1 hint, free users get 3, and premium members get 10 per puzzle. Use them wisely!

Auto-Validation

Correct letters turn green as you type. Immediate feedback helps you know when you're on the right track.

Progress Tracking

Your progress is automatically saved. Come back anytime to finish incomplete puzzles. Track stats and build streaks!

Difficulty Levels

Easy

Beginner Friendly

Straightforward clues, common Kenyan words, well-known places and people. Perfect for learning the basics. Average solve time: 10-15 minutes.

Medium

Moderate Challenge

Mix of straightforward and clever clues. Requires broader knowledge of Kenya. Some Swahili words and cultural references. Average solve time: 15-25 minutes.

Hard

Expert Level

Cryptic clues, obscure references, deep cultural knowledge required. For crossword veterans and Kenya enthusiasts. Average solve time: 25-40 minutes.

Tips & Strategies for Faster Solving

For Beginners

  • Start with short words: 3-4 letter answers are usually easier and give you letters for crossing words
  • Look for fill-in-the-blank clues: These are often the easiest (e.g., "Nairobi is the capital of ___")
  • Use crossing letters: When you fill in one word, use those letters to help solve intersecting words
  • Don't get stuck: If you can't solve a clue, move to another. You can always come back
  • Learn common words: Familiarize yourself with basic Swahili greetings and common Kenyan place names

For Advanced Solvers

  • Read clues carefully: Look for wordplay, puns, and double meanings common in Kenyan context
  • Consider abbreviations: Clues ending with "abbr." indicate abbreviated answers
  • Think culturally: Remember Kenya has 42+ tribes, multiple languages, and rich history to draw from
  • Question marks indicate wordplay: A "?" at the end means the clue has a pun or trick
  • Build pattern recognition: The more you solve, the faster you'll recognize common patterns and clue types

Common Kenyan Crossword Terms

Familiarize yourself with these frequently appearing words in our puzzles:

Swahili Basics

JAMBO - Hello
ASANTE - Thank you
HABARI - News/How are you
SAFARI - Journey
HARAKA - Hurry

Geography

NAIROBI - Capital city
MOMBASA - Coastal city
RIFT - Great Rift Valley
KENYA - Mount Kenya
MARA - Maasai Mara

Culture

MAASAI - Ethnic group
KIKUYU - Ethnic group
UGALI - Staple food
SHUKA - Traditional cloth
NYAMA - Meat

Abbreviations

KES - Kenyan Shilling
CBD - Central Business District
MP - Member of Parliament
KWS - Kenya Wildlife Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause a puzzle and come back later?

Yes! Your progress is automatically saved. The timer pauses when you close the app or switch tabs. Come back anytime to continue.

Do I need to create an account?

No! Guests can play 3 puzzles daily. However, creating a free account lets you save progress, track statistics, build streaks, and play 10 puzzles daily.

What happens if I get stuck?

Use the hint feature to reveal letters. Move to other clues and come back—crossing letters often help. Don't be afraid to guess—you can always change answers!

Can I play offline?

Yes! Install our PWA (Progressive Web App) by clicking the install prompt. Previously loaded puzzles will be available offline.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Now that you know how to play, it's time to dive in! Start with an easy puzzle and work your way up.

Play Today's CrosswordStart with Easy Puzzles