Another way of dealing with it is to solve using only the across clues, not looking at the down ones. I can usually still solve them, sometimes even Tuesdays.
It does get easier, I promise - fairly shortly you'll have a moment when you realise that it's all starting to click and you're recognising the types of clues, even if that doesn't always help you answer them. I'm still a relative tyro, but suspect the moment of enlightenment - and quite often a laugh as you realise what the setter is doing - never gets dull.
The Quiptic is also worth looking at, as a cryptic that's specifically aimed at "beginners and those in a hurry" - although every so often a total stinker gets thrown in, so don't feel too put off if you don't click with that particular setter (on the other hand, if you do find yourself in sympathy with them, try some of their others). Enjoy!
My guess would be that about 30% of Guardian are themed, but it is very for a themed puzzle to appear on a Monday. There are a few setters that almost always use some sort of theme, notably Qaos, Brendan, Boatman and Brummie. Others who sometimes do include Crucible, Picaroon, Pasquale and Tramp.
As others have said, this one was particularly easy. But I think that's okay! I've been doing these for about a year, and it's rare that I can get the whole grid in ~30 minutes with no reveals, so it's refreshing when I can. If you're an old pro, maybe just pretend that Mondays don't exist =) the barrier of entry into the world of cryptic crosswords is so high, easier solves like this help to combat that.
22 and 24 were nice. I had no problem with 27's straight part, but I've never been a fan of the indicator here, especially how it is used grammatically here
Oh yeah, getting 27 - which in itself opened it up for first 18 and then 24 - was a DUH! moment. I'd first thought of an answer with a different first two letters but obviously I couldn't make it work. But that didn't stop it from clouding my thinking.
I was about to...well, not quite moan (free daily crosswords from a paper that politically goes against the mean-spirited majority should not be taken for granted)...but comment in a not fully complimentary way, in that it was all over far too quickly in these eternal days of lockup, wine and extra servings from the dessert section of the fridge. Thankfully, just as I was coming to an end, I was held up a more satisfyingly lengthy wait deep down south, specifically with 18, 24 and 27.
Frankly, too unchallenging. I think when the bar is set this low, the setter should inlude one or two real stinkers to keep us smug bastards out of mischief for a little longer. I expect the Guardian Cryptic to take me half an hour at least, not fall as fast as I can read the clues.
Thank you Kitsims and Gliddofglood2. I just had a look and fifteensquared is exactly what I needed! I didn't get 15A and 27A even after pressing reveal but I get them having been on 225
The website fifteensquared is very useful for explaining how the answers are arrived at if you can't parse some of them. This enables one to learn the secret code that lies at the base of crosswords.
The vaccine is very hit and miss. I (71 and not shielding) had it ten days ago, while my friend's husband (older, shielding and on regular dialysis, but with a different GP) has yet to receive an appointment.
I recommend going over to fifteensquared.net (usually referred to as 225 on here) where you'll find full explanations of the clues - very helpful when starting out with cryptics, and still helpful now for those of us who've been doing them for years and still get baffled on a regular basis.
My first cryptic crossword! I only got a handful correct by myself.
I had a go at the others and clicked reveal when I got stuck. Hoping I'll get used to the different types of clues as I do more.
I got an NHS letter last Thurs. I eagerly opened it...to see that it was reminding me to get my flu jab. I had my flu jab in Oct. On Fri, my wife received the same letter. She had hers in Nov. I talked to a couple of neighbours (from an acceptable distance) who had been through the same. No waste there, then. I wonder how many others across the country this applies to.
I had done most of this last night, so this morning I only had to fill in 27 and 8, first taking out a wrong letter that was keeping me from solving 27. (I thought belt might be tie.)
My daughter gave me a Cockney rhyming slang tea towel for Christmas, and I’m having fun absorbing its information. “Hansel” is my favorite, and I was glad to find out where the familiar term “rabbit” comes from, though daughter and I both scratch our heads at the idea that pork and talk are homophones. Only near Bow’s bells?
Either I’ve developed a bigger brain over the weekend or this was a mercifully gentle start to the week! A perfect introduction to someone unsure about cryptic clues... Spread the word!
Thanks Vulcan - I enjoyed this. It was completed in a waiting room of the urology unit at the Western in Edinburgh, as I drank water to encourage a long wee - some of the clues felt apt! Ticks beside 4a, 10a, 21a, 22a (fav), 27a, 7d, 8d, 16d. Exclamation mark by 5d!
Cryptic crossword No 28,351
Comments
Another way of dealing with it is to solve using only the across clues, not looking at the down ones. I can usually still solve them, sometimes even Tuesdays.
The Everyman in the Observer every Sunday is probably a tad easier than the average Guardian crossword. Good place to start.
Pretty sure I've seen 16d somewhere recently . . . it is summer here in Oz, after all.
It does get easier, I promise - fairly shortly you'll have a moment when you realise that it's all starting to click and you're recognising the types of clues, even if that doesn't always help you answer them. I'm still a relative tyro, but suspect the moment of enlightenment - and quite often a laugh as you realise what the setter is doing - never gets dull.
The Quiptic is also worth looking at, as a cryptic that's specifically aimed at "beginners and those in a hurry" - although every so often a total stinker gets thrown in, so don't feel too put off if you don't click with that particular setter (on the other hand, if you do find yourself in sympathy with them, try some of their others). Enjoy!
Typical comment on it " I've got some male racing geese for sale if anyone fancies a quick gander"
Didn't know Hansel (or his girlfriend). But I've added this Cockney rhyming slang site to my favourites.
The New York Times Monday puzzles are very easy. My way of dealing with it is not to do them.
very rare
My guess would be that about 30% of Guardian are themed, but it is very for a themed puzzle to appear on a Monday. There are a few setters that almost always use some sort of theme, notably Qaos, Brendan, Boatman and Brummie. Others who sometimes do include Crucible, Picaroon, Pasquale and Tramp.
Quick & pleasant solve - maybe more Quiptic than the Quiptic but fun while it lasted. Liked 8d.
Thanks Vulcan.
Starting the week with a gentler cryptic than the quiptic. All very smooth sailing. Thank you V
Really liked 21a. Made me laugh.
Yes, rather easy but enjoyable while it lasted
Incidentally b3m, I'm not keen on the indicator @27 either
Thanks Vulcan
This was the fastest Monday solve ever for me. Didn't need the check button at all.
As others have said, this one was particularly easy. But I think that's okay! I've been doing these for about a year, and it's rare that I can get the whole grid in ~30 minutes with no reveals, so it's refreshing when I can. If you're an old pro, maybe just pretend that Mondays don't exist =) the barrier of entry into the world of cryptic crosswords is so high, easier solves like this help to combat that.
22 and 24 were nice. I had no problem with 27's straight part, but I've never been a fan of the indicator here, especially how it is used grammatically here
Buying my last house in 1998 I was represented by a Leamington firm of solicitors call, I kid you not, Wright Hassell.
Oh yeah, getting 27 - which in itself opened it up for first 18 and then 24 - was a DUH! moment. I'd first thought of an answer with a different first two letters but obviously I couldn't make it work. But that didn't stop it from clouding my thinking.
Easier than the Quiptic, and less fun . But still some clever clues to admire even if they drop in too quickly.
I was about to...well, not quite moan (free daily crosswords from a paper that politically goes against the mean-spirited majority should not be taken for granted)...but comment in a not fully complimentary way, in that it was all over far too quickly in these eternal days of lockup, wine and extra servings from the dessert section of the fridge. Thankfully, just as I was coming to an end, I was held up a more satisfyingly lengthy wait deep down south, specifically with 18, 24 and 27.
Frankly, too unchallenging. I think when the bar is set this low, the setter should inlude one or two real stinkers to keep us smug bastards out of mischief for a little longer. I expect the Guardian Cryptic to take me half an hour at least, not fall as fast as I can read the clues.
Crosswordsolver.org can help and has a forum and wordsmith.org is a good anagram solver . Enjoy the learning curve .
Yes, 12a last for me too, after much head scratching
Yes - there should be a solicitor called Mr Dawdle somewhere in Anthony Trollope (but there isn't).
Keep at it and enjoy, J-Guy.
Finished in record time (for me) with NO reveals. Is this an easy one? I'm no judge.
Enjoyable, thank you Vulcan
Thank you Kitsims and Gliddofglood2. I just had a look and fifteensquared is exactly what I needed! I didn't get 15A and 27A even after pressing reveal but I get them having been on 225
That 16D joke appeared in another Guardian crossword a few months ago. It beat me then, but I learned my lesson and wrote it straight in today.
I hate to say this, but that one was particularly easy. Sorry!
The website fifteensquared is very useful for explaining how the answers are arrived at if you can't parse some of them. This enables one to learn the secret code that lies at the base of crosswords.
I'm from Manchester and "pork" and "talk" rhyme for me too. Is this a non-rhotic R issue?
The vaccine is very hit and miss. I (71 and not shielding) had it ten days ago, while my friend's husband (older, shielding and on regular dialysis, but with a different GP) has yet to receive an appointment.
I recommend going over to fifteensquared.net (usually referred to as 225 on here) where you'll find full explanations of the clues - very helpful when starting out with cryptics, and still helpful now for those of us who've been doing them for years and still get baffled on a regular basis.
My first cryptic crossword! I only got a handful correct by myself.
I had a go at the others and clicked reveal when I got stuck. Hoping I'll get used to the different types of clues as I do more.
Is that the vaccine? Lucky you!
I got an NHS letter last Thurs. I eagerly opened it...to see that it was reminding me to get my flu jab. I had my flu jab in Oct. On Fri, my wife received the same letter. She had hers in Nov. I talked to a couple of neighbours (from an acceptable distance) who had been through the same. No waste there, then. I wonder how many others across the country this applies to.
I had done most of this last night, so this morning I only had to fill in 27 and 8, first taking out a wrong letter that was keeping me from solving 27. (I thought belt might be tie.)
My daughter gave me a Cockney rhyming slang tea towel for Christmas, and I’m having fun absorbing its information. “Hansel” is my favorite, and I was glad to find out where the familiar term “rabbit” comes from, though daughter and I both scratch our heads at the idea that pork and talk are homophones. Only near Bow’s bells?
Either I’ve developed a bigger brain over the weekend or this was a mercifully gentle start to the week! A perfect introduction to someone unsure about cryptic clues... Spread the word!
Thank you, what a pleasure
Like 24a
good fun!
I thought that too... and blew it: four-letter word!
fastest solve since Rufus. not a complaint (well, maybe a little). a bit too easy today, Vulcan. every clue was in as soon as parsed.
Oh, bugger...I forgot to put the test match on!
It’s the mix of tenses that threw me too initially, then I parsed it properly and corrected my answer.
I found it surprisingly easy today, for a change.
Lots of humour to the clues. I liked 24a particularly.
Got my letter today! 11th Feb, but it's almost 1 hour away.
Thanks Vulcan - I enjoyed this. It was completed in a waiting room of the urology unit at the Western in Edinburgh, as I drank water to encourage a long wee - some of the clues felt apt! Ticks beside 4a, 10a, 21a, 22a (fav), 27a, 7d, 8d, 16d. Exclamation mark by 5d!
That part is optional, I believe.
A gentle stretch to start the week. Last in was 12A - sneaky! Thanks Vulcan.
Nope.
Sign in or create your Guardian account to recommend a comment