Solving Cryptic Crosswords for Dummies

Even expert crossword-solvers struggle with cryptics. The clues can often seem nonsensical, mysterious and infuriating, but finally cracking them is immensely satisfying. Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies is designed to help even the most casual crossword lover master these mental feats of gymnastics. Packed with clear explanations, helpful hints, and practice crosswords, the book explains how to approach these problems in a clear and logical manner, providing hints on identifying the different kinds of clues and tips on how to solve them.

• Explains cryptic crosswords, from the (relatively) simple to advanced puzzles
• Guides readers through common and not-so-common clues to help decipher even the most confusing cryptics
• Illustrates the top tips, tricks, and clues to cracking any cryptic
• Includes practice puzzles to put your new skills to the test
• Covers both Commonwealth and U.S. style cryptics and highlights the subtle differences between each

Cryptic crosswords have emerged as one of today's most popular brainteasers, and Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies is the one-stop resource for becoming a puzzle pro.

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 Crossword Puzzles For Dummies and Word Searches For Dummies.

Introduction 1

Part 1: 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 2: Sample Cryptic Crosswords 119

Chapter 12: Easy Peasy Cryptics 121

Chapter 13: Challenging Cryptics 139

Chapter 14: Treacherous Cryptics 149

Part 3: Hints and Answers 159

Chapter 15: Hints 161

Chapter 16: Answers 167

Part 4: 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

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