Getting Started with Cryptic Crosswords
If you are totally new to cryptic crosswords, then you probably want to know more about what is involved.
Unlike concise or general knowledge crosswords, cryptic puzzles have clues which are more than a simple definition of what the answer is - they will have a definition at either the start or end of the clue, but there will also be extra detail to provide some kind of wordplay or hints to help reach the correct answer.
This means that before you can solve a cryptic clue, you first need to get familiar with lots of different styles of clue setting and how you can work out what kind of 'riddle' to work through for each of these. Though if you already enjoy word puzzles and thinking a bit outside the box, then (once you get a bit of practice) you will probably find cryptic clues far more enjoyable to solve than those in more straightforward puzzles.
If you want to give it a try then we will happily organise some extra 'getting started' time, with beginner level cryptic puzzles, to help you get to grips with the whole subject. However as a first step to finding out more, and deciding if you do want to dive in, then you might also want to check out the document links on this page.
Introduction gives an overview of how cryptic clues are different from those in other types of crosswords; the others are guides to some of the most common clue types with examples and details of how to spot which is which.