Crossword puzzles are said to be the most popular and widespread word game in the world. On 21 December 1913 the first known published crossword puzzle appeared in a New York Sunday newspaper. Within a decade crossword puzzles were featured in almost all American newspapers and then crossed the Atlantic to conquer Europe in February 1922.

Blokkiesraaisels is glo die gewildste en mees wydverspreide woordspel in die w�reld. Op 21 Desember 1913 het 'n New Yorkse Sondagkoerant die eerste blokkiesraaisel gepubliseer. Al hoe meer koerante in Amerika het dit begin gebruik en binne 10 jaar was daar 'n blokkiesraaisel in byna elke koerant. Europa het spoedig gevolg en in Februarie 1922 is die Britte oorrompel.