Cryptic Crosswords
Last updated on February 17th, 2021
A cryptic crossword is a crossword puzzle in which each clue is a word puzzle in and of itself. Cryptic crosswords are particularly popular in the United Kingdom. In the United States, cryptics are sometimes known as “British-style” crosswords. Compilers of cryptic crosswords are commonly called “setters” in the UK.
Cryptic crossword puzzles come in two main types: the basic cryptic in which each clue answer is entered into the diagram normally, and “themed” or “variety” cryptics, in which some or all of the answers must be altered before entering, usually in accordance with a hidden pattern or rule which must be discovered by the solver.
Source: Wikipedia
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Articles
The Guardian Crossword blog: how 'clever' are cryptic solvers? Cryptic puzzles are a lot more mathematical than you might have thought
RNZ Digging into crosswords' cryptic mind powers (and some tips!) What is going on in the brain when we are doing crosswords? David Astle is somewhat of a dictionary expert, he is also Melbourne-based writer and a full-on word nerd - somewhat of a walking dictionary. He is a legend in Australian crossword circles, knocking out a notoriously tough weekly cryptic crossword for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. His latest book, Rewording The Brain explains how the mind responds to tackling word puzzles and the benefit that can bring, including increasing brainpower and cognitive capacity.
New Scientist How crossword puzzles mess with your mind The agony and the ecstasy of solving a crossword puzzle can reflect a surprising amount about the subconscious mind, says Stephen Battersby
Lifehack Science Explains Why Crossword Puzzles Are Good For You Crossword puzzles are not only fun things to do, they also have scientific benefits for our mental health. Find out more here.
The Nation Solving The Nation’s Cryptic Crosswords The puzzles in The Nation are part of a long tradition known as cryptic crosswords, which use a style of clueing more dependent on wit and wordplay than on pure knowledge. These clues can seem daunting at first glance, but the underlying principles are fairly simple. This article offers a basic guide to solving cryptics.
BBC Radio 4 David Baddiel Tries to Understand: Cryptic Crosswords David Baddiel tries to understand the puzzling phenomenon of cryptic crosswords.
The Telegraph How to solve cryptic crosswords According to new research, training the brain with puzzles and crosswords may well delay the onset of cognitive decline in old age, keeping the mind of an 80-year-old as sharp as someone 10 years younger.
wikiHow 4 Ways to Solve a Cryptic Crossword Unlike standard or “New York Times-style” crosswords, cryptic crossword clues almost never have a literal meaning. Instead of reading such a clue to determine its answer, you must carefully decode it in order to reveal the answer. Every cryptic clue contains a definition, wordplay, and an indicator term. After you learn this formula as well as the eight most common cryptic crossword devices, you’ll be on your way to solving even the toughest of cryptic crosswords!
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Cryptic Crossword 260 professional Cryptic Crossword puzzles to keep you pondering These are cryptic level crosswords, suitable for seasoned crossword enthusiasts.
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The Telegraph Cryptic Crossword The world-famous Telegraph Cryptic crossword, renowned as the best test of your cruciverbal skills. Play against the clock to see how you compare to other solvers, or print if you prefer a more relaxed solve
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