Substantial variants from the usual forms exist. Most puzzle designs also require that all white cells be orthogonally contiguous (that is, connected in one mass through shared sides, to form a single polyomino). For example, if the top row has an answer running all the way across, there will often be no across answers in the second row.Īnother tradition in puzzle design (in North America, India, and Britain particularly) is that the grid should have 180-degree rotational (also known as 'radial') symmetry, so that its pattern appears the same if the paper is turned upside down. Crossword grids elsewhere, such as in Britain, South Africa, India and Australia, have a lattice-like structure, with a higher percentage of shaded squares (around 25%), leaving about half the letters in an answer unchecked. In such puzzles shaded squares are typically limited to about one-sixth of the total. is part of both an 'across' word and a 'down' word) and usually each answer must contain at least three letters. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources.Ĭrossword grids such as those appearing in most North American newspapers and magazines feature solid areas of white squares. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. This section relies largely or entirely on a single source.

Vox crossword puzzle