“An 11-word nursery rhyme bakery item.” “A six-letter word for a medieval weapon.” “Hot cross buns” and “poleax” are some of the answers to a simple, yet mind twisting, addictive game — the crossword.

Lying in my bed with a pencil, a large pink eraser and a crossword book can give me countless hours of pleasure. Writing in the solution to a clue gives me a sense of accomplishment. Whether it be remembering (an 11-letter word for recollection) some old history clue, a vocabulary word (which is an immediate use for the words I spend hours studying), to a play on words, or even finding the answer to seemingly strange clues by using known clues for starting points, solving crosswords is really something everyone should try.

Many people think that crosswords are dumb, impossible (a 10-letter word for hopeless), and a waste of time. Sure, they won’t give you an A in math, or a perfect score on your SAT’s, but crosswords are an entertaining, relaxing game. They are also potentially helpful in remembering words and information that haven’t been used in a while.

Don’t get me wrong, crosswords are difficult. If I’m lucky, I can solve the Monday and sometimes the Tuesday crossword puzzles (the easiest ones). But in the few couple of months since I started this hobby, I have improved dramatically. More than that, I have developed a love for words.

I have become a fan of Will Shortz, The New York Times crossword editor. This craze all started when I saw the documentary, Wordplay, A look at the making of a crossword and the incredible speeds some people can solve a puzzle.

It also features the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, hosted by none other than Shortz. Sure, I will never be able to compete in the tournament, or solve a Sunday crossword in five minutes, but, I’m addicted to the mind struggle and word entanglement.

The sense of pride in finishing a crossword has encouraged me to finish my homework quickly to be able to have at least a few minutes all the clues, but the end result is rewarding.

Everyone enjoys different games and activities, but try a crossword. It may not be for everyone, but you never know, the next winner (a six-letter word for champion) of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament may be reading this right now.