Discover the benefits of solving puzzles and boost your literacy and mental health
by Denise Sutherland Double definition cryptic clues are a favourite of mine. They are deceptively simple. They can really confuse you, if you’re searching for the usual wordplay clues, but in fact they are quite simple. They are pretty much exactly what they say — two different definitions for a single word. These clues are […]
Read MoreDo you like the idea of being a wartime code-breaker in Intelligence? All very hush-hush, with a constant air of intrigue and mystery; working through the clues logically, piece by piece. Then the codeword is probably for you. It is also very satisfying to know that you are actively honing your spelling skills and boosting your vocabulary […]
Read Moreby Denise Sutherland One of the keys to cracking the cryptic code is learning about abbreviations. We setters use abbreviations in our clues all the time. They are used to ‘clue’ letters individually, or sometimes in pairs or triplets. Here’s an example. Say I am writing a clue for the word CICADA. One of the […]
Read Moreby Denise Sutherland One of the most common types of cryptic crossword clue you’ll come across is anagram clues. In these sorts of clues there is — as is usual with most cryptic clues – a definition, and some wordplay. The definition is a regular definition for the answer word. So, for example, say if […]
Read Moreby Denise Sutherland So – what are cryptic crosswords? To the uninitiated they appear completely unfathomable, and deservedly so. The clues seem to make no sense whatsoever! Well, I’m happy to tell you that they can make sense, once you know the tricks of the trade. A cryptic clue is typically formed from two elements […]
Read Moreby Denise Sutherland So, what makes a cryptic clue? There are some general principles that apply to most types of cryptic clues. We’re all used to regular crossword clues, which are basically definitions for, or possibly examples of, the answer. So you might have: Feline (7) = LEOPARD In a cryptic clue, however, there are […]
Read Moreby Catherine Eagleson Codewords are crosswords without written clues. You are provided with a grid, and each square contains a number 1 to 26 (ie. the letters of the alphabet). You are given a small number of letters to start you off. Your challenge is to study the numerical patterns in the grid, and using […]
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