What is an arrow word puzzle (arroword) and how to solve it
If you've ever opened a puzzle magazine and seen a grid with the clues written inside the squares and little arrows pointing to where the answer goes, that's an arrow word puzzle (also spelled arroword). It's a close cousin of the crossword and is solved with the same logic, just in a more compact format. Here's what it is, how it differs from a classic crossword, and how to solve it — and since the skill is the same, you can train it with our free online crosswords.
What is an arrow word puzzle
An arrow word puzzle is a word game in which the clues are written inside the grid itself, in shaded cells, with an arrow showing whether the answer runs across or down from there. There's no separate clue list and no numbering: everything is on the board. That's why it takes up less space and is so popular in magazines and newspapers.
How it differs from a crossword
The difference is only the format, not the skill:
- In a classic crossword, the squares are numbered and the clues appear in a separate list (across and down).
- In an arrow word, the clue sits inside a cell on the board and an arrow marks the direction of the answer.
Either way you solve the same: read a definition, think of the word, and fit it with the crossing letters. Master one and you master the other.
How to solve an arrow word, step by step
- Start with what you're sure of. Find the short or very clear clues (proper nouns, 3-4 letter words) and fill those in first.
- Use the crossings. Every letter you place is a hint for the word crossing it. After a few, the rest get easier.
- Mind the arrow. It shows from which cell and in which direction the answer starts — the most common beginner's mistake.
- Leave the doubtful blank. If a clue resists, move to another area: the crossing letters will eventually give you the answer.
- Check the spelling. If a word doesn't fit the letters already placed, one of the two is probably wrong — review it.
Practise the same logic (free)
You don't need to buy a magazine to train: our crosswords use clues that are real definitions — exactly the reasoning of an arrow word. Start with an easy crossword to get into rhythm and move to hard when you want more of a challenge. And if you like them by theme, there are history, science, countries crosswords and more to play online or download and print. Same logic, a thousand boards.