To gen2

[LEICESTERSHI]

I asked on this site for some general advice on coping with cryptic crosswords and one of the replies suggested I contact you for a copy of hints you sent out at some time. Is it still possible to have one of these sheets please?

[kayakamina]

I don't recall seeing the advice here, but let us hope that Gen2 comes on as I would also like a copy of the sheets of his hints on coping with cryptic crosswords.

[smouse]

this was it
Solving Cryptic Clues (Some Examples)

Each of these ten cryptic clues leads to the same answer: PEARL

a) Initially Pigs Entering Abattoirs Rarely Leave.
�Initially� should direct you to the initial letters of the following words.

b) Student follows Williams for example.
Student (learner) = L (cryptic clues frequently contain abbreviations)
�Williams� is an example of a pear
L following pear = Pearl.

c) These appear largely in shellfish.
�(Appear) in� suggests you look inside the clue to see what is held there.

d) Carol Rae protectively held her back.
Similar to (c) but �held back� suggests it is held in reverse order within the clue.
�her� also suggests you are looking for a girl�s name (Pearl).

e) Parking with real mixed stone.
Parking = �P� (cryptic clues frequently contain abbreviations)
�mixed� suggests an anagram, an anagram of �real� = earl (anagrams are very common)
�P� with earl = pearl (the stone)

f) Not a plain stitch by the sound of it.
�Not a plain stitch� = purl
which �sounds like� pearl. (Homonyms can be suggested by a range of indicator words)

g) Leave Amrit out of premarital arrangements.
�Leave AMRIT out of� suggests you take the letters A, M, R, I & T from
�premarital� and you are left with �pearl�.

h) Even spied Avril with one of these.
�Even� suggests looking at the even numbered letters in the following word(s).
Letters 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 = pearl

i) Harbour oyster.
Two-word clues usually have both words leading to the same answer.
In this case: �Pearl Harbour� and �Pearl Oyster

j) Initially Stevenson starts off with a legume.
�Initially� could refer to �S�, but in this it case refers to Robert Louis = R.L. <

[kayakamina]

Thanks smouse I do remember it now.