We were quite a nervous group to start with, but keen to learn how to do cryptic crosswords. Then Rosemary told us that the point to remember about cryptic crosswords is that they are meant to be FUN and FAIR. They are a game, not some struggle with the twisted brain of the setter.
In fact, as we worked through a sample together (see the examples below) we started to enjoy the cleverness and wit of the clues. Rosemary also told us to think that these crosswords are easier, because we aren’t just given what the answer should be (as in a regular crossword), we also get a puzzle that helps us see if we have picked the right word.
The first British crosswords appeared in 1923. The first all cryptic version was published in the Observer in 1928. In the 20s, the crossword in the newspaper had the same effect as Sudoko when that was introduced in the UK in the Times in 2004. It became a craze. The grids are symmetrical and originally there were only a limited number available, because of the typesetting technology used then. There are national differences too. The UK versions are unique. In the US, the cryptic crossword is known as “the British Crossword”. Wikipedia is full of information for those who want to delve into the topic.
There are many different levels of crossword. Some are crushingly difficult. But Rosemary suggested we should start with the easier ones: the quick cryptic in the Times 2 or the Guardian Quiptic which is available online at Quiptic | Crosswords | The Guardian. You can do these ones online, which is good because there is some help available, or print them out.
Rosemary gave us all a list of the types of clue we should look out for, which was enormously helpful and went through each type, giving example clues.
We then spent the rest of our session working through one of the example crosswords together, which was very enjoyable. We all learned a lot.
I have put up the handouts we were given here
Sample Crosswords (with answers) Nov 8th, Nov 9th, Nov 10th, Nov 11th, Nov 12th
W I S E Aldeburgh 