Some people love solving clues. Others enjoy searching for hidden words. With KnoxTNToday’s 865 Puzzles collection, you can do both.

Today we’re highlighting two familiar favorites: Mini Crossword and Word Search. They’re easy to find, simple to learn and perfect for a quick break during your day.

Whether you’re a lifelong crossword fan or someone who enjoys spotting patterns, these games offer two different ways to challenge your brain.

Watch how to play both games

In this demonstration, I’ll show you how to find both puzzles, enter crossword answers and locate hidden words in a Word Search grid.

Part 1: How to play Mini Crossword

Mini Crossword is a smaller version of the traditional crossword puzzle. Instead of filling a large grid, you’ll solve a compact puzzle using clues that lead to words running across and down.

Step 1: Find the puzzle. Visit KnoxTNToday.com, select 865 Puzzles from the navigation menu and choose Mini Crossword.

Step 2: Look at the grid. The puzzle contains white and black squares. White squares hold letters, while black squares separate answers. Numbered squares indicate where words begin.

Step 3: Read a clue. Select a numbered square or a clue in the Across or Down list. The corresponding answer spaces will be highlighted.

Step 4: Enter your answer. Type the word you believe matches the clue. Each letter goes into one square. The number of squares tells you how many letters the answer requires.

Step 5: Use crossing words. If you’re unsure of an answer, try another clue. Across and Down answers intersect, so a letter from one answer may help you solve another.

For example, if a three-letter clue is “Opposite of yes,” the answer is NO — but that would require only two squares. Checking the number of available squares helps you determine whether an answer fits.

Step 6: Change an answer if needed. Select a square and replace or erase a letter when another clue reveals a mistake.

Step 7: Complete the grid. Continue working between Across and Down clues until every answer is filled correctly.

Tips for Mini Crossword

Start with the shortest or most familiar clues. Fill in answers you’re confident about first, then use the crossing letters to help solve harder clues.

Remember that a crossword answer must fit both the clue and the available squares. If it doesn’t, reconsider the answer.

Part 2: How to play Word Search

Word Search challenges you to find words hidden among rows and columns of letters. The words may run horizontally, vertically or diagonally, depending on the puzzle.

Step 1: Find Word Search. Return to 865 Puzzles on KnoxTNToday and select Word Search.

Step 2: Review the word list. Look at the words you’re supposed to find. The list may include a theme, such as animals, places or everyday objects.

Step 3: Scan the letter grid. Look for the first letter of a word from the list. Then check the surrounding letters to see whether the rest of the word appears in sequence.

Step 4: Highlight a word. When you find one, click or press on its first letter, then drag across the complete word to its last letter. Release your mouse or finger to submit the selection.

Step 5: Check your progress. A correctly selected word will be highlighted, and the game will mark it as found.

Step 6: Keep searching. Words may appear forward, backward, up, down or diagonally, depending on the puzzle. Look carefully in every direction.

Step 7: Finish the list. Continue until you’ve found every hidden word.

Tips for Word Search

  • Start with unusual letters. Words containing letters such as Q, X or Z can be easier to spot.
  • Look for longer words first. They often stand out and can help you locate shorter words nearby.
  • Check backward and diagonally. If you can’t find a word reading left to right, try another direction.
  • Work systematically. Scan one row or column at a time rather than jumping randomly around the grid.

Two games, twice the fun

Mini Crossword exercises your vocabulary and clue-solving skills. Word Search challenges your visual attention and pattern recognition. Both are entertaining ways to enjoy a few minutes away from your daily routine.

And if you’re looking for more, the 865 Puzzles collection also includes Large Crossword, Sudoku and WordroW.

Visit KnoxTNToday, click 865 Puzzles and give both games a try. You might discover a new favorite.

Our 865 Puzzles collection is sponsored by Harrington Insurance Agency, helping bring fun and entertainment to KnoxTNToday readers.

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