Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a competetive crossword puzzle game including a crossword puzzle having individual word portions having associated definitions constituting clues for the solving of the individual word portions of the puzzle. Additional numerical indicia associated with each individual word portion representing the length of each word forming a word portion. Marking apparatus for filling in the individual word portions of the crossword puzzle in distinguishable characters. A die including numerical indicia on different ones of the sides of the die and with each indicia constituting the number of letters representing the length of the word to be used for filling in the individual word portions of the crossword puzzle. The players taking turns filing in the individual word portions of the crossword puzzle using the marking apparatus. Each turn for each player including rolling the die to determine the length of the word to be filled in by the player.