Expert crossword compiler and solver Kevin Skinner shows in easy steps how to solve those trickier puzzles. Once you recognize the type of clue used, you’re half way to finding the answer. Learn to spot: • Double straight clues • Double meaning clues • Word exchange clues • Homophone clues • Anagrams • And all the other clever clues beloved of crossword compilers Work your way through the example crosswords provided and hone your new-found skills. The explanations show how the answers are arrived at, so you can see precisely how each clue works. Next time you come across a clue of the same type, you’ll be able to tease out the answer for yourself and beat the compiler at their own game!
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Book Description
Crack those cryptic clues!
About the Author
Kevin Skinner is an experienced cryptic crossword compiler and solver.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
80 of 80 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I have always wanted to be able solve cryptic crosswords, in particular those appearing on the back pages of the broadsheets. Solving these crosswords has always been an impossible task for me and I found it extremely frustrating. This book has however changed all of that. The book begins by clearly explaining the various types of clues encountered and more importantly the indicators used by the crossword compilers to indicate these clues. There are example crosswords consisting of only one type of clue which is great for practice. Once you have been introduced to the basics you are gently eased into complete crosswords of steadily increasing difficulty. Having explanations of how each answer is arrived at is easily the best feature of this book, it actually seems simple once you realise how clues are constructed. Another handy feature of the book is the lists of typical indicators for anagrams, word exchanges and abbreviations. These are excellent at helping you to spot the more subtle clue indicators. Overall I found this book to be an excellent guide to understanding and solving cryptic crosswords.
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you want to learn how to solve these "bizarre" crosswords, this is a very good book. What I particularly liked was that after you had been taught a certain technique, there was a whole crossword devoted to this particular type of clue. After a few chapters there was then a revision chapter and revision crosswords, covering all sorts of clues taught to that point. A brilliant introduction to solving cryptics.
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By Adam Brooks
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The learning curve of this book is pitched just right. Easily the best feature of the book are the sample puzzles, with answers explained on the following pages. There are 2 difficulty levels, tabloid and broadsheet, and this works well.
He explains the various tricks of the trade clearly and concisely.
Recommended.
45 of 46 people found the following review helpful
By M. Appleton
Format:Paperback
If, like me, you find cryptic crosswords from The Independent and their ilk totally impenetrable, this great little book (written by an actual compiler) will almost certainly cut through most of the mystique.
Skinner teaches the reader his own method for recognizing the different types of clue and how to go about solving them. His explanations make the derivation of the solutions extremely logical. From knowing nothing initialy, within around ten pages I managed to complete the first practice crossword without cheating once!
Now the caveat: as Skinner (quite correctly) maintains, the best way of learning how to do crosswords is to DO CROSSWORDS, which means that the last two thirds of the book are exactly that: crosswords. Having said that, they do come with fully exploded solutions (which newspaper versions lack).
This book will let you tackle cryptic crosswords in no time at all. Definitely recommended.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The way this book leads you through the minefield of the different types of clue gives you the confidence and skills to have a successful attempt at a "real" cryptic crossword. A very good book for taking the interested beginner into the fascinating and totally-absorbing world of cryptic crosswords. Highly recommended.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
A very useful book for people like me who have never attempted a cryptic crossword and wonder how on earth friends even begin to break down cryptic clues.
Thank you Kevin, I've started enjoying my bus journey in the morning now.
Thank you Kevin, I've started enjoying my bus journey in the morning now.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Y. Unni
Format:Paperback
I asked for this book for Christmas after reading reviews of similar books. Normally I am very enthusiastic about learning and then lose interest or concentration a few days later. I love this book. The answers are explained simply, with plenty of examples to work through. Also this book is relatively small, so there is no waffle. I am currently mid way through the second level crosswords and showing no sign of losing interest. It is very satisfying. In fact I have stopped asking for a lift from the station so I can get the bus and have more quiet time to go through this book. I would recommend this book without a doubt, and I believe the ratings given to this are justified.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A. Smith
Format:Paperback
Very happy with this little book - straightforward explanations and examples help you get to grips with the previously impossible cryptic clues .... much easier to crack these once you have a little insider knowledge. Am now working my way through the last few 'easier' crosswords before getting on to tackle the second section - already finding them considerably challenging but the book definitely gives you a head start with knowledge it would take a long time to accumulate through practice alone. Now loving the world of cryptic crosswords!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Pity
This book was slightly less helpful than I had hoped, but as we do quite a lot of cryptic crosswords, I am hoping it will prove more helpful with time
Published 19 days ago by Peebee
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not my first choice of "How to solve crosswords."
The first part of the book describes the different kinds of clues used in cryptic crosswords, with a few little practice ones along the way, a list of abbreviations and many... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alikay
5.0 out of 5 stars
How to solve cryptic crosswords
I always new that cryptic crosswords are sometimes easier to solve than straight ones but you needed to know the code. Read more
Published 2 months ago by David
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really helpful
I got this as a present for my dad and he loves it. Coupled with another crossword book it makes a good gift.
Published 2 months ago by StudentLife
5.0 out of 5 stars
How To Solve Cryptic Crosswords
I adore doing crosswords and I do the one in our local paper every day.
I picked up how to do cryptic crosswords by studying the clues and solving as many as possible then... Read more
I picked up how to do cryptic crosswords by studying the clues and solving as many as possible then... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. R Kinnard
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent tutor!
I bought this for a friend who has seen me do cryptic crosswords but believes that he'll "never be able to do them. Read more
Published 4 months ago by peoples Bill
4.0 out of 5 stars
Find a new skill
For newcomers to the world of the cryptic crossword this book provides clear and succinct advice. It works you gradually through the examples. A great help.
Published 4 months ago by sue quinn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mystery solved!
I bought this because I could not do cryptic x-words at all and wanted to learn. This book is excellent and does what it says on the cover! Read more
Published 6 months ago by MW
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great author, perfect book
Great author, perfect book. I bought this for my wife who say's it's great and she's loving it. She has never done cryptic crosswords before and is now flying through them.
Published 6 months ago by crystal
5.0 out of 5 stars
At last - success!
I've literally had a go at just about every teach yourself cryptic crosswords puzzle book out there and nothing seemed to make it all click with me - I'd go through the book but... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Highlander
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