Cryptic crosswords anyone?

aquablob · February 24, 2009, 01:16:04 PM

In the Sudoku thread, I noticed that there are some cryptic puzzlers on GMG. If Sudoku has its own thread, then surely the cryptic crossword—really the king of puzzles—deserves one, too!

So who does them?

aquablob · February 24, 2009, 01:16:15 PM

I do!

jwinter · February 24, 2009, 02:54:04 PM

I've done plenty of standard crosswords, but haven't tried the cryptic ones. Any place good online I could try one out?

Novi · February 24, 2009, 02:54:29 PM

Hello - me too!

I have a weekend routine:
- the Saturday Times (cryptic and jumbo cryptic) <-- they're the only reason I get Rupert's paper, to be honest

- the Saturday Guardian <-- rarely finish this one $:-\$
- the Observer Everyman <-- the best because they are easy enough to do but require sufficient effort for me to feel clever

- the one at the back of the Big Issue

and also the Sydney Morning Herald one online for old time's sake - my first cryptic puzzle years and years ago

.

Holden · February 24, 2009, 03:01:08 PM

I love them. I do the SMH crossword online about 3 times per week but really like to tackle the Guardian Weekly whenever I have the time as it's both challenging and fun. It can take me days to complete it.

Here's my favourite clue:

3 Across: HIJKLMNO (5)

Do you guys have a favourite clue?

aquablob · February 24, 2009, 03:13:14 PM

Quote from: Holden on February 24, 2009, 03:01:08 PM
I love them. I do the SMH crossword online about 3 times per week but really like to tackle the Guardian Weekly whenever I have the time as it's both challenging and fun. It can take me days to complete it.

Here's my favourite clue:

3 Across: HIJKLMNO (5)

Do you guys have a favourite clue?

I love cryptics but living in the US, it's hard to come by good ones on a regular basis.

Is the answer to your clue water?

Opus106 · February 25, 2009, 05:39:14 AM

Quote from: aquariuswb on February 24, 2009, 01:16:04 PM
In the Sudoku thread, I noticed that there are some cryptic puzzlers on GMG. If Sudoku has its own thread, then surely the cryptic crossword—really the king of puzzles—deserves one, too!

So who does them?

I do, occasionally, and I much prefer them to Su Do Ku. (You don't have to look at the same 9 digits everyday and you might actually end up learning something new.) As I said, these are occasional bouts. It usually starts when I'm in the house during a lazy afternoon and bored with everything else. I begin to solve them daily, but then, after a couple of weeks, it would stop as abruptly as it had started. [Current status: Not solving]

The only one I do is the one in the daily paper we buy (today's). I learnt the tricks from my grandfather who used to religiously solve them every single day. Sunday's paper has a different one - I think it's from The Guardian or something - but I haven't tried that.

Ten thumbs · February 25, 2009, 11:46:10 AM

I work my way through Daily Telegraph books. These puzzles become easier when you become acquainted with the compiler's methods. I also do the Yorkshire Post puzzles occasionally. I don't have a favorite clue but I've come across some that are really annoying!

Novi · February 25, 2009, 01:34:27 PM

Quote from: jwinter on February 24, 2009, 02:54:04 PM
I've done plenty of standard crosswords, but haven't tried the cryptic ones. Any place good online I could try one out?

Hi jwinter - you might want to try this one:

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/puzzles/free.html

Their clues are not as difficult nor as clever as the one Holden posted though.

(aquariuswb is SMART!)

aquablob · February 25, 2009, 01:58:58 PM

Here is one of my own clues:

Destroy piece of fresh redwood (5)

aquablob · February 25, 2009, 02:01:50 PM

And one more:

Foul yams sour eminently [8]

If nobody gets these, I'll give a letter, but I think they're both fairly straight-forward.

aquablob · February 25, 2009, 02:03:20 PM

Quote from: Novi on February 25, 2009, 01:34:27 PM

(aquariuswb is SMART!)

As is Novi!

Novi · February 25, 2009, 02:14:08 PM

Quote from: aquariuswb on February 25, 2009, 01:58:58 PM
Here is one of my own clues:

Destroy piece of fresh redwood (5)

And right back at you

:

Distributed evenly? Not a chance - torn instead (5)

Novi · February 25, 2009, 02:33:45 PM

Quote from: aquariuswb on February 25, 2009, 02:01:50 PM

Foul yams sour eminently [8]

Notedly, in the manner of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog [8]

(Brit cultural reference though

)

aquablob · February 25, 2009, 02:50:06 PM

Quote from: Novi on February 25, 2009, 02:14:08 PM
And right back at you :

Distributed evenly? Not a chance - torn instead (5)

Very nice,

Quote from: Novi on February 25, 2009, 02:33:45 PM
Notedly, in the manner of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog [8]

(Brit cultural reference though )

and likewise (although I had to google the Famouses)!

aquablob · February 25, 2009, 02:52:09 PM

Very cold to the ears. This is serious! (5)

(A bit trixy; might need a letter)

Holden · February 26, 2009, 11:36:05 PM

Quote from: aquariuswb on February 25, 2009, 02:01:50 PM
And one more:

Foul yams sour eminently [8]

If nobody gets these, I'll give a letter, but I think they're both fairly straight-forward.

Famously

aquablob · February 27, 2009, 05:00:59 AM

Yes indeedy

jwinter · February 27, 2009, 05:26:35 AM

Quote from: Novi on February 25, 2009, 01:34:27 PM
Hi jwinter - you might want to try this one:

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/puzzles/free.html

Their clues are not as difficult nor as clever as the one Holden posted though.

(aquariuswb is SMART!)

Thanks for the link, I'll try that this weekend. I'm currently at work, and they've blocked pretty much any gaming or puzzle sites -- can't imagine why!

aquablob · February 27, 2009, 05:56:46 AM

Percussion instruments that may be right? (9)