A puzzle including a plurality of symbols each of which is representative of at least two characters. Some of the symbols are adapted to be selectively converted to any one of the at least two corresponding characters, and some of the symbols are adapted to be selectively converted to at least one of the at least two corresponding characters or selectively not converted and thus represent the remaining one of the at least two characters. A matrix of defined spaces includes spaces adapted to contain a symbol. Each of the defined spaces contains a symbol. The puzzle is solved by converting some of the symbols to the appropriate corresponding character. As a crossword puzzle, the symbols correspond to at least two letters and a series of clues are used to assist in solving the puzzle.