Deconstructing Cryptic Crossword Clues
Then once you have worked out which bit is which, the cryptic part will invariably need to be analysed itself: for instance split into the anagram indicator and the anagram fodder, for an anagram clue, and so forth.
Being able to parse a cryptic clue successfully is difficult, and requires practice, and lots of it!
In order to get better at deconstructing clues, the main advice is to simply practice, practice, practice. We also suggest that you read the articles in this cryptic crossword section to do with the various types of clue. Once you know the different types of clue to look out for, it is easier to spot them.
If you don't know what an & Lit is, for instance, or are confused by cryptic definitions or homophone clues, then read our pages on those.
Another huge help is to do the following:
Take a puzzle, and the following day get the solution. Then work backwards and see if you can deconstruct each clue in order to work out how the clue was put together. This forensic analysis is often of great help, particularly for beginners. Indeed perhaps the first few puzzles a person 'solves' should be back to front, working from solution to understanding of the clue, rather than vice versa.
There will invariably be some clues you don't get; this can and does happen even for experienced solvers. There are some websites out there that give an analysis of each and every clue for major British newspaper cryptic crosswords: reading these regularly can really help you develop your cryptic crossword solving prowess.
Ultimately it all comes down to experience, knowing the different types of clues, a good general knowledge, an understanding of anagram indicators and the common abbreviations used and a smattering of crosswordese. Armed with all of the above and a few years practice, you'll be a good cryptic solver who is expert at deconstructing clues in a timely manner.
Are you currently learning to solve cryptics? If so, do share what you find easy / difficult about getting to grips with this puzzle type.
Date written: 22 Apr 2015
Comment on this post
You must be logged in to comment - please Register or Login
Solving US Crosswords As A Brit
British solvers who venture across a US crossword, perhaps when on holiday, will notice that it is a very different beast.
The main difference you'll notice is that there are so many more clues and answers in a grid of a given size, and that answers...
Added: 14 Jun 2015
Skeleton Crosswords And Symmetry
Skeleton crosswords are one of the hardest puzzles there are, and certainly one of the hardest crossword variants - probably alongside the cryptic crossword with the specialist solving skills that puzzle requires.
Like the cryptic crossword, one's...
Added: 01 Apr 2015
Wordwheel Player Update
We hope you are all enjoying playing the great range of puzzles we have available online here at Wordy Puzzle.
We just wanted to let you know that we have implemented the most common piece of feedback we have received, which is to do with the...
Added: 28 Jul 2015
Homophone Clues In Cryptic Crosswords
Cryptic crossword clues, as you'll have seen through this series of blog posts, come in various distinct types, and the list we've covered is not even exhaustive!
One of the clue types that people often struggle with is the homophone clue, or...
Added: 13 Apr 2015
Creating A New Type Of Word Puzzle
Creating a new type of puzzle is always exciting. Here are some suggestions as to how to go about the process:
Firstly, you need the idea. This is obviously the most important element. The best way to go about this is often to look at an existing...
Added: 17 May 2015
Back to Puzzle Blog
Puzzle Types:
