The best pens and pencils for crosswords

Crossword puzzles are a fantastic activity, providing an enjoyable challenge to people of all ages. However, the pleasure diminishes when pen ink smudges or seeps through the paper, marring the experience.

Let’s dive into the world of crosswords — their benefits for your mind and the common hurdles faced while completing them.

We’ll then explore writing tools, pinpointing the ideal choices for a seamless, hassle-free, crossword-solving experience.

What are crosswords?

Crosswords are intricate puzzles built upon a grid of black and white squares.

The aim is to fill each white square with a letter based on the clues provided. These clues, organised under the headers ‘across’ and ‘down’, guide players to input words into the grid.

Each clue is numbered to correspond with the numbers found within some white squares.

Various clue types enrich the crossword experience.

Examples of crossword clue types

There are many crossword clue types — here are some of the most common:

• Simple clue: Canine pet (3): Dog.
• Cryptic clue: Controversial novelist in a hurry to snuff it! (7): Rushdie.
• Fill in the blank: Movie starring Keira Knightley: ____ Actually (4): Love.
• Anagram: Moon starer (10): Astronomer.
• Abbreviation: Postgraduate university degree (2): MA
• Deletion: Listen without an ear (4): List.
• Double definitions: Robust author (5): Hardy

When were crosswords invented?

The genesis of crosswords dates back to 21 December 1913, when British journalist Arthur Wynne crafted the world’s inaugural crossword for The New York World.

Upon its arrival in Britain in February 1922 via Pearson’s Magazine, the crossword frenzy ignited, birthing a craze that still endures.

Why are crosswords good for you?

Crosswords extend beyond mere amusement — they wield substantial benefits for the human mind. Engaging in these puzzles activates multiple brain regions, fostering the formation of fresh connections while fortifying existing neural pathways.

Deciphering crossword clues entails moderately complex cognitive action proven to amplify brain health. Remarkably, regular crossword practice is a buffer against brain shrinkage — a common aspect of ageing.

When you collaborate on crosswords with others, you introduce a social facet to the puzzle-solving process. This collaborative effort has been shown to cultivate additional neural connections in the brain.

Collectively, the cognitive exercises and social engagements associated with crosswords contribute significantly to enhancing memory and refining thinking skills, paving the way for notable improvements in mental prowess.

How to select the best pens for crosswords

Choosing the perfect pen can significantly elevate your crossword-solving experience. When selecting a writing instrument, key factors to ponder include its legibility, tendency to bleed through paper, and level of permanence.

Legibility

Clarity in handwriting is crucial during crossword solving to prevent errors caused by confusion between letters.

The colour of the ink or lead and the tip size are key factors influencing the legibility of your writing.

Colour

Consider the background colour of your crosswords. Most reside on white or off-white paper within newspapers or puzzle books. When opting for a pen, black ink or an intensely pigmented dark colour will work best.

Graphite marks are usually adequate if you prefer to work in pencil — especially when applied with more pressure for enhanced visibility. Be mindful, though — erasures may pose a challenge, potentially causing damage to delicate newsprint.

Tip size

The size of your pen or pencil tip matters in ensuring legibility, especially when dealing with similar-looking characters like L and C or O and D.

To mitigate confusion, choose a fine-tipped pen, a well-sharpened wooden pencil, or a mechanical pencil to create distinct and precise lettering.

Bleed-through

Bleed-through is a common concern when solving crosswords in newspapers, so choosing a suitable writing tool is pivotal.

Steer clear of water-based inks like those in fountain and gel pens, as they’re notorious for bleeding through paper.

A graphite pencil is a safe bet, completely sidestepping this issue. While heavy pressure with a pencil may occasionally show through the page, lighter strokes can prevent this.

If you print your crosswords, print them on thick paper to counteract bleed-through issues. This lets you choose paper that accommodates your favourite pen without compromising the puzzle-solving experience.

Permanence

Permanence in your choice of writing instrument often boils down to personal preference among crossword enthusiasts.

There are two camps: staunch advocates of pens, even for the most challenging puzzles, and those content with pencils for easy error correction.

No judgment lies in either choice, but there’s a distinct satisfaction in penning in solutions that pencils can’t quite replicate. Conversely, pencils offer the freedom to rectify mistakes without leaving a mess.

Enjoy the best of both worlds by jotting down confirmed answers in pen while using a pencil for flexibility where you’re unsure.

The best pen types for crosswords

The ideal pen for your crossword adventures is ultimately the one that feels most comfortable in your hand.

However, as we’ve discussed, certain pen types are more conducive to the task, while others might not serve you as well.

Ballpoint pen

Opt for any ballpoint pen when speed matters, or you’re eager to dive into your puzzle without deliberating over your writing tool. Its non-smudging ink glides smoothly and dries swiftly, ensuring a quick and hassle-free experience.

When you have time to deliberate your pen choice, select a fine-tipped ballpoint pen that’s comfortable to hold for long periods.

A Fisher Space pen is a wonderful option to complete your crossword on the go, as it works at all angles.

Pencil and eraser

If flexibility is your priority, a pencil paired with an eraser or an erasable pen allows you to revise your answers.

Before fully committing to a new pencil, test it in an inconspicuous spot on the page to ensure easy erasure without leaving stubborn marks.

Further considerations

While ballpoint pens are recommended, some exceptions exist. Certain fountain pens, rollerballs, and gel pens can tackle the average crossword puzzle well.

Some fountain pen enthusiasts steadfastly use them for all tasks, including crosswords. It’s a matter of personal preference.

The key is finding the pen that suits the specific demands of the crossword puzzle at hand. There’s a pen for every job — you must discover the one that best fits your needs.