Solving Cryptic Crosswords - Helpful Articles

[AB Editor]

Hi all!
I’d like to be able to give people a bit more help with crosswords and create a few sort of how-to articles to help out people who may be new to solving cryptic crosswords, to make a bit of a learning hub here on The AnswerBank.

So I am wondering what kind of information would be useful for us to provide. Thinking back to when you first started solving cryptics (or if you’re just getting started now), was there anything in particular that you found difficult, or any information that would have helped you? If someone wanted to learn how to solve cryptic crosswords, what advice would you give them?

I’m thinking the articles could share some common ways to parse clues, and common tactics that setters use, such as double meanings, anagrams, etc. I have a rough idea of what we might do but am keen to get your feedback on what might be useful!

Also, are there any other types of puzzles you’d like similar help with?

Thanks!
Ed

[donny48]

Show people how to read a clue. How to interrogate the clue to get beyond its face value and find what the setter is asking.

[Ken4155]

Like most people, my earlier crosswords were quite simple to complete. Then, in need of a greater challenge, i progressed to the cryptic crossword and one of the things that would baffle me in those early days, was the use of the word 'flower'. I would wrack my brains attempting to come up with a flower to fit the clue. When i realised that 'flower' can also mean a river (as in flowing), the cryptic crosswords became a little easier.

[Mamyalynne]

One thing that helped me was learning which words were 'indicators' and gave some idea of how to read the clue better.

eg, words that tell you there's an anagram or a containment.


There are lists online and in print, not definitive but they have helped me.

It's a huge subject.

[dannyk13]

List all the indicators that there is an anagram.

[dannyk13]

Here is one tutorial among many
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/12/how-to-solve-cryptic-crossword-clues

[whitehill]

Yes, I agree, words like 'doctor' and 'ground' which indicate anagrams

[Patsy33]

Look at ALL meanings of a word...

[Mamyalynne]

A full tutorial would take up many pages and have to cover all the many and varied types of clues - plus any lists made are constantly being updated and tweaked.

Quite a task.

I'm sure most of us have tomes of references built up over the years.

[crosseyed]

Good luck with that....I've been doing them for 25 years now having progressed from the so called easier types.It took me almost 6 months before I completed my first one! Answerbank wasn't around in those days, so I talked to people in my local who did cryptic in order to gain insights. Isn't this what AB is about? The best advice I can offer is "make sure your spelling is correct.

[ducksie]

I'd like if someone is not familiar with the crossword, doesn't like the particular crossword, I'm thinking The RTÉ Guide that they keep their negative thoughts and groans of the posters thread, it doesn't help

[jazzyjen]

What helps me the most is remembering that the answer I am looking for ultimately is usually a synonym of the first or last word of the clue.

[Pentire]

I agree with the points made by Donny48 and DannyK13. That means starting with the basics; then build it up, taking note of what people say might still be missing.

[zebo]

The multiple meaning of words often stumps me, I spent ages on 'refuse', I was thinking along the lines of trash for ages and things like that can't be taught other than saying broaden your verbal horizons. Also realise that different compilers have different styles and if you do their crosswords regularly you will soon know when there's a change. If you're doing the Private Eye, think double entendres and learn to recognise idiosyncrasies such as Brenda is HM the Queen!

[ladyalex]

I found this website to be an enormous help
bigdave44.com

It is based on the Daily telegraph cryptics and shows you how each clue can be solved.
It also has loads of other very useful information .

[Spoffy]

You might also find the three introductory videos on this site helpful:

http://www.clueclinic.com/index.php/clue-movies/

[Jennykenny]

I like www.fifteensquared.net which is particularly helpful in not just giving you the answers for, e.g. The Guardian Cryptic, but explains why that is the answer.

[M_bouchon]

Many thanks for giving us the opportunity to make suggestions to waht is already an excellent site.
One thing I would like to offer - look beyond the apparent sense of phrases in the clue by analysing the use of individual words in the clue for possible other meanings. So often, I find myself overlooking a particular word when used in a familiar phrase.

[davidac]

I agree with previous posters that Big Dave's website is very useful. Must add that, if people seeking help on here were to follow the site format (i.e. name of paper, clue and number, any letters already solved) instead of things like "Help, 17D" it might help the helpers to help!! Davidac

[Babog]

As a relevant new comer to cryptic crosswords it took me ages to work out things like ab = seaman, y = unknown, numbers = maybe roman numerals , ra = artist and meanings which appear standard in crosswords but unknown to me (sigh)