Gransnet forums

Chat

Cryptic crosswords

(32 Posts)
Mishap Mon 03-Dec-12 15:34:09

Anyone else addicted to them?

A few years ago I decided that I would teach myself how to do these and I have become pretty hooked.

I confess that I have an electronic crossword dictionary which I mainly use as a thesaurus; although I have occasionally succumbed to using the anagram solver facility if I find myself completely stuck.

It is interesting that I do the ST crossword every Sunday but I have come to recognise the style of the compilers. There is one whose corsswords I can never solve - indeed sometimes I do not get it even when I see the answers the followiong week! However other compilers I find easy - it is all about getting inside their minds.

Antone else addicted? Any particular newspaper crosswords you would like to recommend?

Anne58 Wed 05-Dec-12 17:17:51

arty you are not alone, Mr P doesn't like them either!

However we always do the General Knowledge one in the Weekend section of the Saturday DT. Start "cold" over a drink in the pub, resort to reference books when we get home, no googling allowed until Sunday afternoon!

I must say that sometimes their idea of "general knowledge" isn't quite like mine!

crimson Wed 05-Dec-12 17:19:02

Can't do them. Brain [what brain?]not wired right.

GadaboutGran Wed 05-Dec-12 17:33:49

Cryptics are our daily brain gym. My Dad taught me how to do them from an early age & this was one of the few ways we connected.
I have a bias towards lateral thinking (all over the place); husband is very logical (too logical for crosswords at times) so we are a good complement as they need both styles. I use them to judge my mental state - after death & major stress I'm useless but keep at it until brain functions again. I used to wonder what I'd do if husband left or died but then I discovered Big Dave's website with clues - & answers if you're really stuck.

annodomini Wed 05-Dec-12 18:15:14

I used to do them with my father - we thought much the same way. When I visit my NZ sister, we do the local crossword together, but that is much easier.

annodomini Thu 06-Dec-12 21:12:47

I do the quick crosswords to limber up for the cryptic ones. Has anyone else noticed that today the on-line quickies in the Guardian and the Independent are the same?

annodomini Thu 06-Dec-12 21:35:19

Ignore that - got my proverbials in a twist there! shock