Buick88 I was tutored many years ago by my father on getting most of the grid before you have any answers. Fill in all the blanks which mirror the ones already given. Then check the given numbers and fill in any blanks before them. Next count how many down clues there are. If the number is odd then the middle clue must be somewhere on the 6th row down, if even then the two middle clues can be on the 6th row down or one at the end of the 5th and one at the beginning of the 7th. Start then to put the down numbers in at the top of the grid and remember that the across numbers must mirror one another. If it is a simple grid you will be able to get most and sometimes all your numbers before you try the clues. Hope this is helpful.