Cryptic #1 - Nerd Stuff
◆◆ · By Resident Mutt · Published 2020-11-24T01:16:28.767Z
Constructor's Note
Hi! This is a Cryptic Crossword - you'll note the grid arrangement and the bizarre cluing. Please see the blog post for more notes to help you get started, if you're not familiar with the genre!
Hi! So, this is an old cryptic of mine from about 3 months back that I made for a small thing, and I figured that it might help introduce the genre. This is even a themed puzzle, to an extent - I hope you like your video games and general nerdery!
I'll work on a very beginner friendly cryptic in the coming days, so please keep your eyes peeled if you want something like that!
Cryptic Clues!
Cryptic Clues (usually) have two parts - a 'Straight' element that gives a true definition, and a 'Wordplay' element that does shenanigans. There may also be some connecting word between the two. So a clue such as:
Cryptic Clues (usually) have two parts - a 'Straight' element that gives a true definition, and a 'Wordplay' element that does shenanigans. There may also be some connecting word between the two. So a clue such as:
"Bird's average decomposition (6)"
Is made up of the straight definition "Bird", and the wordplay "average decomposition" - in this case, PAR + ROT. Note that "Average decomposition for bird (6)" could give the exact same answer.
I'd say the best way to get used to Cryptic clues is to see them, rather to study them - I enjoy them, even though on the Guardian's cryptics I consider a success "got 5 answers in". As such, I would recommend watching the Twitch VODs for CrypticSunday, who tend to tackle a relatively easy cryptic and explain the clues as they go. Likewise QuizzyDan does cryptics usually once a week, on a similar basis.
Links:
Deusovi's response here is considered one of the better explanations - it is probably the 'strictest' view (more common in Cryptics from American publishers), but it explains the key mechanics well. https://puzzling.stackexchange.com/questions/45984/cryptic-clue-guide
Deusovi's response here is considered one of the better explanations - it is probably the 'strictest' view (more common in Cryptics from American publishers), but it explains the key mechanics well. https://puzzling.stackexchange.com/questions/45984/cryptic-clue-guide
I actually rate https://crypticshewrote.wordpress.com/explanations/ fairly highly as a decent list of cryptic cluing options, with some reasonably simple sample clues.
Please note that sometimes different cluing techniques can be used in the same clue!
In terms of solving resources, I think having these two links to hand is useful. The first is a list of common abbreviations used in cryptics, with a particular focus on single-letters - as well as terminology that might be unfamiliar to those outside the UK (and frankly to those under the age of 80 inside it). The second is a large learning tool that includes lists of 'Indicators', which is incredibly useful for solvers and constructors.
Finally, SimplyDailyPuzzles has an excellent "Easy Cryptic Crossword" that can help introduce the idea. Though googling "Easy Cryptic Crossword" is your perogative I think :P
If you're interested in any of the parsings, then I have a full list! It is available here: https://pastebin.com/raw/1uYgdJKD .
Checking for previous play data...
.. Looking forward to the beginner puzzle!
1A
Angrily leave, smashing guitar over head of Evil Queen (4-4)
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Across
- 1AAngrily leave, smashing guitar over head of Evil Queen (4-4)
- 6ASpooner's pasta pot is at the arcade? (3-3)
- 9ACall sibling after German shooter? (6)
- 10ACandy for idiots (8)
- 11ABlast Vice Presidential candidate, "Crazy Hasheem", for a loss - pointless! (10)
- 12ARevolutionary spirit's end (4)
- 13ADigital sandbox is perfect, without slapstick backfiring (9)
- 16AItalian man audibly wed duck (5)
- 19A16A's brother lauding him, regularly ignored (5)
- 20AProvide supporting fire, clear around Washington church (9)
- 22AShort ship swaps initial incendiaries to atomic bomb (4)
- 24AOut of touch pilot, Charlie, tucking into grub and tea (5,5)
- 27AHigh class fellow vivid and rich (8)
- 28APrivate bugs whos shoulders we can stand on? (6)
- 29ALively novice loses father, perhaps becoming brute (6)
- 30ACorner corgi wandering around a pole... around a pole... around a pole... (8)
Down
- 2DOddly lacking masonry that comes from the heart? (5)
- 3DSecret chocolate? (6,3)
- 4DPuts broken vents overhead (8)
- 5DModel run's track (5)
- 6DIn Southport, a lacquered door (6)
- 7DChurch's reputation seen around England (5)
- 8DAudi disco playing CD? (5,4)
- 14DUpon brief, shaky pain, take me!
- 15DGamer's vision is somewhat off, overall (3, Abbr.)
- 17DPeople from Birmingham Central Mall respond - 50% welcoming former president losing head! (9)
- 18DEndlessly nag, for instance, maiden after violin strings for sequence of notes (8)
- 21DIn addition, a growth (2,4)
- 23DRobot held back by some logic (5)
- 25DOcean drops connection to loft (5)
- 26DThe Spanish heavyweight, John? (5)