Cryptic crosswords

I’ve always loved books and playing with words, enjoyed a quick crossword, but just assumed cryptic crosswords weren’t for me. How did you even begin to learn?​

​

If you - like me - are interested in learning more about cryptics and the absolute joy they can be, these are some of the things I find useful.

​

My starting point was the Guardian Quiptic and the Observer’s Everyman. But the Guardian has since also started a beginner’s cryptic which breaks down the different types of clues and is absolutely brilliant. That’s 100 per cent where I would start now. 

​​

There are lots of friendly people out there in the crossword world and Fifteensquared is a fantastic blog with a gang of word lovers who blog the cryptics from the FT, the Guardian and the Indy among others. If, like me, you sometimes can’t figure a clue out even after you’ve seen the answer - then these guys will probably set you straight. And if the Telegraph cryptic is more your bag, then you can check in with the folks at Big Dave’s Crossword Blog.

​

If you’re the sort of person, like Eric in Murder Most Cryptic, who starts your morning with a Wordle, then the Minute Cryptic might be your cup of tea. It also breaks down clues and gives hints to help you along the way.

​

And finally, to try solving a host of crosswords from different setters - and perhaps have a go at compiling your own - I highly recommend MyCrossword.

​

​