Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies

Master the cryptic crossword at any difficulty level

Even experienced crossword solvers struggle with cryptics. Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies helps all crossword lovers — from casual to expert — master the feats of mental gymnastics required to conquer these puzzles. Packed with clear explanations, helpful hints and practice grids, this book explains how to approach cryptic crosswords in a clear and logical manner.

Learn the basics — discover how to decipher the common types of cryptic clues Find hidden messages with ease — become a master at uncovering disguised solutions Understand the importance of anagrams — find out how to decode anagram clues Put your new–found skills to use — test yourself with plenty of practice puzzles covering all difficulty levels Incorporate letter–gathering — decipher abbreviations and other bits and pieces Explore different international puzzles — understand the variations in puzzles from around the globe

Open the book and find:

Information on the mental benefits of solving cryptic crosswords Tips on how to identify different kinds of clues Worked examples and clear explanations Practice clues and grids for all levels of experience Hints to help you on your way if you′re stuck Reference lists to help you decipher the cryptic code

Learn to:

Solve different kinds of cryptic crossword clues Graduate from easy to medium to difficult cryptic crosswords Keep your brain fit and healthy Complete cryptic crosswords with confidence!

Introduction 1

Part I: Diving Into the World of Cryptic Crosswords 5

Chapter 1: Introducing Cryptic Crosswords 7

Chapter 2: Untangling Anagrams 23

Chapter 3: Charade Clues: Piecing Together Linked Words  33

Chapter 4: Putting Words Inside Words 45

Chapter 5: Using Subtraction 53

Chapter 6: Examining Reversals 61

Chapter 7: Decoding Homophones 69

Chapter 8: Interpreting Double Definitions 79

Chapter 9: Revealing Hidden Words 89

Chapter 10: Letter Gathering: Abbreviations and Other Oddments 97

Chapter 11: Enjoying Cryptics Around the Globe 111

Part II: Sample Cryptic Crosswords 119

Chapter 12: Easy Peasy Cryptics 121

Chapter 13: Challenging Cryptics 139

Chapter 14: Treacherous Cryptics 149

Part III: Hints and Answers 159

Chapter 15: Hints 161

Chapter 16: Answers 167

Part IV: The Part of Tens 173

Chapter 17: Ten Tips for Being a Better Solver 175

Chapter 18: Ten (Plus Two!) Puzzling Resources 181

Appendix: Word Lists 187

Denise Sutherland is a syndicated puzzle author. Her crosswords, word searches and other puzzles appear in a range of publications around the world, and she has written many puzzle books, including Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies and Word Searches For Dummies.