Cryptic crosswords how to#

Probably the most common cryptic clueing technique is to form Move the cursor over the box after each example or tap on them to view an explanation and the solution.Īnagrams (known as transposals in the NPL, where anagram has a more limited meaning) Hidden Words the answer is printed explicitly in the clue, but camouflaged within another word or other words.ĭouble Definitions provide a second definition of the answer, preferably in an unrelated sense.īy convention, when the second definition is a pun or whimsical one the clue is flagged with a question mark. Homophones sound the same but are spelled differently, like through and threw or bizarre and bazaar.ĭeletions are formed by deleting a letter or group of letters from another word.īeheaded, endlessly, or (in a Down clue) topless or it may specify a particular letter or letters to be omitted. Reversals reverse the letters of of a word into another word.īackwards, returning, heading west, from right to left or (in Down clues) upward or rising Inside, holding, swallowing, within and (its deceptive opposite) without, and around

Cryptic crosswords how to#

Here is a tour of the eight common types of wordplay, along with hints on how to spot them.Īnagrams scramble the letters of the word into another word.Ĭharades, as in the flat type (or the game) of this name, have an answer that is broken down into two or more words that appear in succession for example, consummate is made up of con, sum, and mate.Īt, by, near, before, after or (in Down clues) on, over, or beneathĬontainers place one word within the letters of another word in courthouse, for instance, thou is contained within course. The number(s) in parentheses following a clue, when provided, provides the enumeration of the clue’s answer. Solvers are warned to ignore punctuation (with a few noted exceptions).Ĭryptic clues generally direct you (albeit deceptively) to the type of wordplay involved.

Or by seeming to use a word as a verb that is really meant as a noun.Ĭryptic clues may also use punctuation in whatever manner seems most likely to deceive The constructor tries to challenge you with clues whose surface meaning puts you off the scent -įor example, with a clue whose parts split in the middle of a common two-word phrase, The catch is that you have to find the break between definition and wordplay. This means that, with a few exceptions, every clue either begins or ends with a definition of the answer. In any case, they will never overlap or intermingle. The definition and wordplay will simply occur side by side. Sometimes a word or two, suggesting how the two parts work together, may come in between more often, These two parts provide independent indications of the same answer. The subsidiary indication, or simply the subsidiary. The other part uses some form of wordplay to steer you to the intended answer. One is a definition, like those in a standard crossword puzzle. In reality, however, it has two separate parts. This page provides a brief introduction Ī longer article on solving Cryptic Crosswords can be found in the Guide to the Enigma,Īnd there are also a number of high-quality guides available on the Internet, many written by NPL members.Įvery cryptic clue can be read as a (somewhat) sensible phrase or sentence.

Writing cryptic clues are actually quite simple. But the fundamental principles of cryptic Learn cryptic crosswords will lead you to an enjoyable and stimulating new pastime.Cryptic crosswords can seem dauntingly nonsensical at first glance. It ends with a selection of newspaper puzzles and is followed by an extensive set of reference tools to use when solving.Ĭryptic crosswords are fun to do and give the brain a good work out, exercising the memory and thinking skills, making new connections and extending vocabulary and general knowledge. The final chapter explains how to develop your solving skills further. How each type of clue works is clearly explained and supported by examples, with simple diagrams to illustrate key ideas.Įach topic is followed by interactive exercises and practice clues designed to reinforce the learning points, and each chapter ends with a practice puzzle to consolidate your learning. Learn cryptic crosswords consists of six chapters that take you step by step through every aspect of solving cryptic clues. Learn how to solve cryptic crosswords with this interactive app, starting with the basic ideas and easiest types of clue. Finally - you can actually solve cryptics!