Abstract: Crossword puzzle game equipment is disclosed which includes a game board having an array of columns and rows of side-by-side spaces that are sequentially numbered but do not define a puzzle pattern. The game equipment further includes a clue book having a plurality of crossword puzzle clues or definitions printed thereon and a puzzle pattern defining list of selected numbers of spaces which are to be blacked out or otherwise designated as non-playing spaces to form the puzzle pattern. The clue book is preferably formed for free-standing support in a generally vertical orientation proximate the game board to act as a privacy shield for competition between multiple players having the same game equipment and simultaneously solving the same crossword puzzle. Optionally, the clue book is mounted to a foldable game board to provide the privacy shield and a clue support structure.