Top Crossword Forums and Communities
r/crossword
While the world has several thriving offline communities related to crosswords, r/crossword is one of the biggest online communities dedicated to the American-style crossword. The Reddit community is one of the top 3% largest subreddits on the website and serves as the hub for both seasoned and novice constructors and solvers alike. They’re mainly based around American-style crosswords, often related to the New York Times (NYT) crossword.
That includes the NYT Mini as well with members often sharing their best time for the day, discussing strategies, and even seeking advice on solving and improving their skills. The community also encourages constructors, budding and experienced, to post homemade crosswords and help them improve. Not only that, the subreddit analyses published puzzles while also exploring crossword-related games and tools.
r/crosswords
Created in March 2010, r/crosswords is different from r/crossword as while the latter is related to American-style crosswords, the former is related to cryptic crosswords or UK-style crosswords. It ranks in the top 7% of subreddits by size and welcomes enthusiasts of all levels. That means players from a beginner level to experienced solvers are welcome with many offering help to the novice solvers.
The subreddit also features various regular activities including Answer of the Week, Puzzle of the Day, Theme of the Week, and Clue of the Day contests. This encourages member participation and like the American-style subreddit, it also encourages constructors to post their own puzzles.
XWord Info
This is a comprehensive database of the New York Times crossword and it has puzzles that date back as far as 1959. The site was created by former New York Times crossword writer Jim Horne and offers detailed analysis as well as statistics on every puzzle created until 1959. Not only that, the site is updated on a regular basis with new puzzles and also offers everything a budding constructor or enthusiast needs.
This includes various tools to help novices including a search function that allows players to search for clues and answers. The site uses Microsoft technology to manage its complex structure which is why it offers both free and paid services for those interested.
Crosscord
A discord server created by Ricky Cruz in 2019, Crosscord thrived during the pandemic and now has well over 4500 members as of 2024. The server offers players various channels to discuss daily puzzles, share solving strategies, and even explore crossword construction techniques. The server welcomes beginners to the more experienced players and constructors, offering various activities for members.
This includes testing themes and grids, promoting their constructing work, or even streaming live puzzle-solving sessions on Twitch. Over the years, the community has become big among crossword solvers especially those instead in learning the art of constructing a crossword.
Crossword Solver
An AI-powered tool designed to help players complete crossword puzzles, Crossword Solver is a digital aid that uses advanced algorithms to decipher crosswords. The tool utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze the clues given and then suggests potential words and answers based on that. Most crossword solvers have a user-friendly interface and allow players to input partial words to get instant suggestions.
They also have features that include support for multiple languages, and the option to decipher various crossword types, and can often be used both on a smartphone and on a desktop. However, while many solvers view crossword solvers as a cheating tool, many also see them as learning aids. These solvers tend to be immensely useful for novice crossword solvers as they help them improve their vocabulary and enhance their overall linguistic skills.
