Crossword puzzle
Credit: © Julia Sudnitskaya, Shutterstock

Grab your pencil, or pen if you dare! Crossword puzzles are popular word games. You can find these smart configurations of black and white tiles in your local newspaper, in book and grocery stores, and online! Many people turn the page or open the app to do certain crossword puzzles every day. Some people play so often that they know the answers to common definitions or clues that frame the puzzle. For example, “slice of history” almost always has three squares. The answer is ERA. Just like the squares and words interlock, sharing common letters, crosswords are here to stay.

American journalist Arthur Wynne created the first modern crossword puzzle, which appeared in the Sunday New York World newspaper on December 21, 1913. However, crosswords were around before this one was was officially printed. Crossword puzzles are over 109 years old! The puzzle became popular in the United States and spread to other countries. Today, crosswords appear in many languages throughout the world. Puzzle championships are often held in the United States and other countries.

In 1924, The New York Times supposed that crossword puzzles were a fad that would end. However, they went on to become a favorite of cruciverbalists, people who do crossword puzzles. Will Shortz, the crossword editor for the New York Times, sold his first puzzle when he was 14 years old. He is the only person that has a degree in Enigmatology, the study of puzzles. He graduated from Indiana University in 1974.

If you have some time, try a crossword puzzle out! Studies show solving crossword puzzles builds your brain. Most crossword puzzlers share that they learn at least one new thing every time they complete a puzzle! Try it out in pencil first in case you need to go back and erase a few guesses.