Title Builder Beta See instructions

Welcome to Title Builder Beta.

This small piece of kit is designed to make building your Quiz, Crossword or Puzzle question more effective. It should make finding your question easier for others and, the easier it is to find, the more likely someone is to answer it!

To build an easy to find question title simply select the paper and quiz, enter the quiz number if relevant and fill in the Publication Date. Once you’re happy click “Build Title” and the information should populate the Title field. Fill in the final required details of your question as you normally would, and click submit.

As this is a Beta we only have a limited number of papers and quizzes listed. If you think your favourite Quiz, Crossword or Puzzle should be listed here don’t hesitate to contact us.

Remember: You do not have to use the title builder - simply enter the title and question as you normally would and click submit!

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A Cryptic Guide

donny48 | 09:46 Sun 14th Feb 2016 | Crosswords

17 Answers

Could any of the obviously expert cryptic crossworders recommend a good book on the subject, I regard myself as very much an amateur but with a holiday coming up would like to take some time for improvement.

You Magazine Today

Mail On Sunday

Answers

1 to 17 of 17

Captain2

Best Answer

I think the best way to learn is simply practice. Attempt to do a crossword and then buy the edition with the answers in. You can then analyse how the setter has concocted the clue to give the answer. You will then learn the basic rules of cryptic crosswords (but be careful because individual setters have their own little quirks as well). Good luck

09:53 Sun 14th Feb 2016

Go To Best Answer

Captain2

Tilly2

Secrets of the Setters: How to Solve the Guardian Crossword.

It does help with others though.

Tilly2

I also have this one. It's a good read.

Two Girls, One on Each Knee: The Puzzling, Playful World of the Crossword

Marsh12

Don Manley's Chambers Crossword Manual gives examples of clue types followed by small puzzles using that sort of clues. You get to practice straight away.

When you've tackled a cryptic in a British newspaper, take a look at http://www.fifteensquared.net/ where you'll find the clues and answers with explanations of how one came from the other. It doesnt cover the Times puzzles which you'll find analysed at http://times-xwd-times.livejournal.com/

scorpiojo

What Captain said :)

Button

I think Scorpiojo should write one for us, I'm grateful for the help provided every Sunday

Captain2

Creep Button! Others 'Answerers' are available ;0)))

scorpiojo

Creep button lol ;o)))

donny48

Question Author

Thank you for all replies. I already follow the practice of deconstructing clues when armed with the answer, many posters on this forum explain the route taken and this can be invaluable. I will buy one of the books suggested to occupy myself whilst lazing in the sun.
Don
PS
Following the Creep Button I have no hesitation in awarding Captain the best answer.

Captain2

:)) Think of us, won't you, when you are in the sun

scorpiojo

What is 'sun'?

Captain2

Exactly Jo - think donny48 was just rubbing it in (and not the sun cream)

scorpiojo

;o))