Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Course for Beginners


Book Description

This A4 book teaches beginners how to solve cryptic crosswords. It starts with the simplest ideas and easiest types of cryptic clue, and gradually builds to the advanced aspects of clue solving. This approach makes learning easier. Written explanations are supported by diagrams, each topic is followed by exercises to reinforce the key learning points, and every chapter ends with practice puzzles to consolidate skill development. The book will provide you with a comprehensive, structured learning route to an enjoyable and stimulating pastime.




Chambers Crossword Manual


Book Description

Acknowledged as the definitive work on modern crosswords, Chambers Crossword Manual is an essential handbook for all crossword fans from beginners to experts. It is packed with practical advice on solving crosswords, as well as many practice crosswords. "Top of the crossword market - magisterial and authoritative" - Colin Dexter "For the novice or the champion, this is the book" - Gyles Brandreth "A truly kaleidoscopic feat" - Susie Dent "I recommend it strongly" - Jonathan Crowther (Azed) "Clever, detailed, and, above all, fun" - Simon Russell Beale "The crossword oracle - witty, wise and indispensable." - Francis When "The outstanding book about crosswords" - Sir Jeremy Morse




The Times How to Crack Cryptic Crosswords


Book Description

Quiz your family at home with crosswords, puzzles and games. Expert crossword solver and setter, Tim Moorey, seeks to dispel the myth that cryptic crosswords are the preserve of the elite. In this new, easy guide, he demonstrates that anyone who enjoys words and word play can learn to solve a cryptic crossword clue.




The Crossword Puzzler's Handbook


Book Description

Crossword addicts are always in search of a new and better tool to boost their solving skills—and the answer’s not yet another dictionary. This handbook is something a lot more valuable: a comprehensive compilation of “cross weirds.” These are the words we don’t often hear in general conversation, but they do tend to pop up in crosswords frequently, either because they use the most common letters of the alphabet or are featured in some of the most popular subjects. So it’s fantastically helpful when you need to figure out who starred in that 1933 film or name an island in the Central Philippines. Organized by subject, this collection is broken down into three sections: People, Places, and Things. You’ll find invaluable clue-solvers in such categories as Abstract Ideas; Actors and Actresses; Adjectives; Bodies of Water; Cities and Towns; Folklore; Foreign Words; Health, Medical Care, and Sickness; Music; Transportation; and many, many more. You can either use this as a reference when an answer’s on the tip of your tongue (but you just can’t get it), or as a handy study guide. The sturdy reinforced binding will keep it in great shape for years of service—and the small size makes it perfect to take anywhere!




Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies


Book Description

The cryptic crossword world explained the fun and easy way Even expert crossword-solvers struggle with cryptics. The clues can often seem nonsensical, mysterious and infuriating, but finally cracking them is immensely satisfying. Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies is designed to help even the most casual crossword lover master these mental feats of gymnastics. Packed with clear explanations, helpful hints, and practice crosswords, the book explains how to approach these problems in a clear and logical manner, providing hints on identifying the different kinds of clues and tips on how to solve them. Explains cryptic crosswords, from the (relatively) simple to advanced puzzles Guides readers through common and not-so-common clues to help decipher even the most confusing cryptics Illustrates the top tips, tricks, and clues to cracking any cryptic Includes practice puzzles to put your new skills to the test Covers both Commonwealth and U.S. style cryptics and highlights the subtle differences between each Cryptic crosswords have emerged as one of today's most popular brainteasers, and Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies is the one-stop resource for becoming a puzzle pro.




Ultimate Crossword Mix


Book Description

The Ultimate Crossword Mix contains an astonishing range of over 30 types of crossword variant, from the most common of all crosswords - the quick crossword - through to other familiar favourites such as the general knowledge and cryptic crossword, together with a mix of quirky and entertaining variants that are rarely seen in print or brand new for this remarkably diverse collection. All of which makes it a must for crossword fans and puzzle enthusiasts generally. The book contains over 100 puzzles in total spread across the different types. Every time a new crossword variant is introduced, a clear explanation of what the puzzle type is and how to play it is given. Depending on the puzzle type the introduction might be short and snappy or much more detailed - the cryptic crosswords have an introduction several pages long in order to explain the various different clue types you might encounter. Solutions for every puzzle are included at the back of the book, together with further explanations as necessary (all cryptic crossword answers are explained in addition to simply being presented with the solution grids). Crossword puzzle types and variants you'll encounter in The Ultimate Crossword Mix include the following: - Quick crossword - General knowledge crossword - Cryptic crossword - Skeleton crossword - Arrow word - Code word - A-Z puzzle - Themed crossword - Anagram crossword - Missing vowel crossword ... and many more! We hope this unique collection will provide you with many, many hours of satisfaction and crosswording fun!




How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords


Book Description

Expert crossword compiler and solver Kevin Skinner shows in easy steps how to solve those trickier puzzles. Once you recognize the type of clue used, you're half way to finding the answer. Learn to spot: . Double straight clues . Double meaning clues . Word exchange clues . Homophone clues . Anagrams . And all the other clever clues beloved of crossword compilers Work your way through the example crosswords provided and hone your new-found skills. The explanations show how the answers are arrived at, so you can see precisely how each clue works. Next time you come across a clue of the same type, you'll be able to tease out the answer for yourself and beat the compiler at their own game!




The Times Quick Cryptic Crossword Book 1: 80 World-Famous Crossword Puzzles (the Times Crosswords)


Book Description

A new series of 80 puzzles from The "Times "adapting the cryptic puzzle for those with a hectic lifestyle and schedule. Ideal for those starting out with cryptic crosswords, and those who d like to tackle the main puzzle but feel daunted, or who can perhaps only solve a handful of clues. Appearing Monday to Friday in the puzzle pages of "Times2," this crossword has a reduced 13x13 grid size and reduced difficulty too, the intention being to encourage people to take their first steps in tackling cryptic crosswords. And also to cater for those of us who have limited time to devote to our favorite pastime and need a ready-made set of puzzles that is solvable in a short space of time. "




Henry Hook's Cryptic Crosswords


Book Description

Forty-five all-new cryptic crosswords -- the most intricate style of puzzle there is -- created by the diabolical Henry Hook. Every puzzle is a "variety" cryptic crossword; that is, each one has a gimmick that adds an extra level of fun and complexity to an already challenging solving experience.




Pretty Girl In Crimson Rose


Book Description

A little gem of a memoir... The book adds up to more than a sum of its parts and lingers in the memory long after the final page. -- Sunday Telegraph Half a million people a day do it in the Telegraph. The Times claims almost as many, and the Guardian 300,000. Most people remember their first time, and everyone has a favourite. You can do it in bed, standing up, or on a train. You can do it alone, with a loved one or in groups. The Queen does it in the bath. It is not illegal, immoral or fattening. In fact it tops the Home Office list of approved entertainments for prison inmates. Crosswords are a very British obsession. Crosswords are a very British obsession. Pretty Girl in Crimson Rose is a personal reminiscence and a guide to solving crossword puzzles. But it is much, much more than a 'how-to' book. Each chapter is starts with a clue, and uses anecdote, history and autobiography to solve it, in the process describing something of what it means to love England. In the process, we encounter The Best Crossword Clue Ever, The Most Beautiful Clue in the World 'Pretty Girl in Crimson Rose' and the eccentric personalities behind such legendary compilers as the Guardian's Araucaria and The Times'Ximenes.