Crossword Puzzle Challenges for Dummies

By Patrick Berry

Eight bonus chapters explain how to construct your own puzzles Open the book for a brand-new collection of brain-twisting puzzles Looking for a crossword challenge? All you have to do is open the book, sharpen your pencil (or, hot shot, uncap your pen), and get ready to match wits with Patrick Berry, one of today's top puzzle constructors. You get 70 all-new crosswords that are guaranteed to test your puzzle-solving skills - plus a special bonus section that shows you how to create (and sell) your own challenging crosswords. The Dummies Way * Explanations in plain English * "Get in, get out" information * Icons and other navigational aids * Tear-out cheat sheet * Top ten lists * A dash of humor and fun Discover how to: * The secrets of crossword construction * How to craft a memorable puzzle theme, from quotes to reversals and rebuses * The tricks to designing and filling a grid * An insider's guide to writing great clues * Ten top markets for crossword puzzles

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764556223
• ISBN13: 9780764556227
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 186 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.3" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Great puzzles!

The title is completely misleading. Not only is this book totally NOT for dummies, but the text of the book is really about puzzle constructing, not solving. Actually, it's more like two books. In the first book you get 70 great crossword puzzles, of increasing difficulty. I'm up to number 20, and I'd say it's about NYT Wednesday to Thursday difficulty. So, you get at last 40 puzzles above NYT Thursday level, definitely not dummy stuff! The other book is a treatise on crossword puzzle construction, a fascinating read even if all you do is solve puzzles.

Recommended for aspiring constructors

Don't be misled by this book's title. I started constructing crossword puzzles about 18 months ago. I've read everything I could find about constructing. If you only read one book, this is the one I would recommend. Patrick Berry is a highly regarded constructor, and he does a great job of explaining what goes into the making of professional level puzzles.

Surprising!

An excellent book with wonderful puzzles by Mr. Berry. Lots of helpful suggestions for constructors as well.

You are no dummy if you spent a few bucks for this book

30 Jan 2007 Not only do you get a plethora of entertaining crossword puzzles, you are even introduced to the art of creating them.