cryptic crosswords

[giveup]

I am trying to learn how to do cryptic crosswords ,mainly in the daily mail, have a couple of books but find them confusing . Any advice would be welcome, also which newspaper cryptics would people recommend. Thanks giveup

[slipnot]

I think the only way you can progress with them is to watch for the solutions and then work out how the answers are arrived at. If it's any consolation I've done them for years and still struggle! Guess I'm a glutton for punishment.

[slipnot]

Forgot to say, some of the people on here are brilliant and are always a great help.

[Beatrice35]

Am fairly new to cryptics also. The more you practice them the easier they become. You get to work out their patterns. Would recommend start with The Express 'Crusader'- one of the gentler cryptics. Some posters on here are really helpful with explaining the working out of the clues, too, if you ever get stuck. They are brilliant for helping you to think laterally + really enjoy cryptics even though a relative novice to them. Buy the Puzzler magazine, too, as they have cryptics + the answers in the back so you can always work out how they put the clue together from these. Hope that helps. Warmest wishes + good luck, Bea :-)

[kayakamina]

Slipnot's comments are spot on. Always analyse the answers to ensure you understand the rationale and don't hesitate to come to this site and ask questions.

Start with the easiest daily cryptics - Telegraph, Mail etc and also read through the answers given here as you can pick up a lot of the basics that way.

Good luck

[giveup]

Thank you all I'll keep trying and pick your brains when necessary

[kalahari12]

When the Independent newspaper first started they did a very good course over a week on cryptic crossword solution. I have never seen anything similar since. How I learned is by doing it daily (lunchtimes) with a couple of cryptic addicts at work. I can recommend the Telegraph as the clues are not too obscure.

[ventpeg]

do a xword that offers cryptic and non-cryptic clues with the same answers (same grid)

e.g. Sunday Express Crusader / Squires Clues

then look at the crptic wordplay

[Beatrice35]

Express is easier than Telegraph + Mail. Times + Independent are fiendish as have tried them- not good to start there! The Mail on Sunday is good as there is Sir Lancelot (cryptic) + His Page- straight clues ( same answers - really helps in working out how the cryptic clues work) Reading books on how to solve cryptics( charity shops or loaning from library) are good too. Good luck giveup + never give up :-) !!
Good night, buenos noches, Bea :-)