You can solve an Across or Down clue at any time. Thus, the two parts of a puzzle are really one puzzle, which is solved using logic and lateral thinking skills. Across clues can overlap with a Down clue. Down clues tell you the word is placed vertically. Across clues have numbers that tell you where to look, where the word is placed horizontally. There are two kinds of clues: Across, for the horizontal clues, and Down, for the vertical clues. Each clue leads to a solution word, which fits in its respective space on the grid. The format is simple: a grid is laid out with numbered clues and blank spaces. Frequently Asked Questions How do you solve a crossword puzzle? And since it is mobile-friendly, you can play it at your own time, anywhere. Start solving daily crossword puzzles solitaire for free.