| |
Internet Puzzle resources |
The categories used here are approximate - sites listed under "Cryptic Primers" may include puzzles and link-lists, for example. Suggestions for other sites to mention here are welcome by e-mail.
Inclusion of a site doesn't mean I approve of all the puzzles or sample clues on it. Although I like to whinge about unfair clues sometimes, it's more useful for beginners to try lots of examples of the clues than to spend lots of time worrying about fairness - you can develop your own opinions about which puzzles you enjoy, and that's what really matters. Fairness should be what the setter is worrying about...
Suggestions for other links are welcome, but I don't intend competing with Ray Hamel - I'd like to limit this list to about 30 good sites.
These include puzzles to solve, and links to other crossword sites. Some include advice on solving as well.
| About.Com (formerly Mining Co.) | Dave Fisher's site includes a monthly cryptic puzzle, a clue-writing competition, a bulletin-board, and plenty of links to other sites. |
|---|---|
| Crossword Crazy | Site managed by Michael Curl, a setter for some British newspapers. Includes a reference and tutorial information and a cryptic puzzle aimed at an international audience. I know from experience that those last five words can mean a lot of extra work. |
| The Crossword Directory | Derek Harrison runs this site, which is the best source of advanced cryptic puzzles for those unable to get hold of the printed versions. |
| Free Crosswords Online | Free crosswords by Alberich, the site's author, and various guest setters. Also features a good explanation of what Ximenean clue-writing is all about. |
| Monk-ey puzzles | Crossword home page of Mark Kelmanson - Monk in the Independent and FT, and also on the Times setting team. Includes free samples of his work. |
Sites giving advice about how to solve cryptic puzzles.
| Greg Brume's Cryptic puzzle site) | Greg is an American setter of cryptic puzzles. The site includes a brief tutorial, information about clue-writing contests, and a cryptic Who's Who. As you'd expect, much of the information is geared towards American cryptic puzzles. |
|---|---|
| Val's Cryptic Crosswords | Lots of sample clues from Val Burton in Australia. |
| Garison Piatt's pages | Another one from America (Hawaii in fact). A short tutorial including sample clues and explanations. |
| Theresa's Cryptic Crosswords | Tutorial information and puzzles from Theresa Cunningham, a member of the (so far) perennial winning team in the Team Cryptic Crossword Construction contests. Tutorial information, a practice puzzle, and thirteen other puzzles to try. |
A few of the sites where you can find crossword-related software.
| Tea and Sympathy | Two very useful programs for solvers and setters, from Ross Beresford. The site also includes puzzles and other information. |
|---|---|
| Crossword Maestro | Cryptic solvers are approaching the sad fate of Garry Kasparov - computers will soon be able to solve puzzles faster than we can. This is the best software for solving cryptic puzzles, and will apparently complete around two-thirds of a Times or similar puzzle. It will also explain its answers. |
| Ray Hamel's Link List | The biggest list of crossword-related sites. |
|---|---|
| Team Cryptic Crossword Construction Competitions | Information about these competitions, including entries for previous ones. |
| The Crossword Club | The home page of a UK-based club which publishes a monthly magazine including two tough cryptic puzzles, clue-writing contests, and general cryptic crossword gossip. |
| Mind Sports Olympiad | The event where the Times Crossword Championship has found a home in recent years. |
 |
UK references |
 |
Puzzle sources |
 |
YAGCC Contents Page |
 |
Other material about cryptic puzzles on this site |