Speakers Jennie Willson and Val Hinkins
The first crossword puzzle appeared in New York World in 1913 and since then the puzzle has spread around the world,
developing and changing over the succeeding century.
A “cryptic” crossword style soon became popular and clues became more devious.
Join cruciverbalists Jennie & Val for an introduction to English Cryptic Crosswords, how they work and why they are so much fun!
We’ll explore the work of some of the most well-respected compilers and the tricks and conventions they use to challenge and
beguile their audience.
We’ll break down the different clue types and how to recognise the hints that will help you to solve them.
Then it’s over to you!
We’ll guide you through the basics of creating your own clues and work together to start to compile our own crossword!
To quote a famous compiler, Afrit, “I need not mean what I say, but I must say what I mean.”
Be warned – cryptic crosswords are addictive!