These pages describe how to solve certain common types of puzzles:
Cryptic crosswords: http://www.execulink.com/~tagies/cryptics/solvingguide/solvingguide.html
Cross sums: http://www.jimloy.com/puzz/sums.htm
Crostics: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~mcardle/crostic.html
Some assorted logic puzzle types: http://wpc.puzzles.com/2001Qtest/
More assorted logic puzzle types: http://www.puzzle.jp/index-e.html
A fairly large wordlist can help, too. If you don’t already have a favorite, you may want to pick from one of the many at http://www.puzzlers.org/secure/wordlists/grepdict.html.
More reading and some fun!!!!!!!!!!!