Crossword Midi

Goal

Fill every white cell in the 9x9 grid so that each across and down answer matches its clue. The puzzle is solved when all words are correct.

Rules

• Tap or click a cell to select it, then type your letter. The cursor advances automatically.
• Tap a selected cell again (or press the arrow keys) to toggle between across and down.
• Black cells separate the words and cannot be filled.
• Clues are numbered. The number appears in the top-left corner of the cell where that answer begins.
• Every letter sits at the intersection of an across word and a down word.

Strategy

• Do a full scan first. Read through all the clues before typing anything. The easy ones jump out, and filling them in reveals crossing letters that unlock harder clues.
• Target long answers early. A seven-letter word gives you seven crossing letters. Crack it and a big chunk of the grid opens up.
• Use crossing letters to narrow options. If an across answer gives you the third letter of a down word, re-read that down clue with the letter in mind. It often clicks.
• Jump around. You don't have to solve in order. Skip anything that doesn't come quickly and return to it once more letters are in place.

Tips

• Watch for misdirection. Midi clues have more room for wordplay than Mini clues. Read carefully -- a clue that looks like it's about cooking might actually be about music.
• If you're stuck, use a hint. One revealed letter can break a logjam without spoiling the rest of the puzzle.
• Try it and see. If two answers could work, just pick one. The crossings will tell you fast if you're wrong, and undo is always there.
• Aim for clean solves. Fewer hints and undos means a better time. Chase yesterday's time, not perfection.