"The aim of this book is two-fold: first: to guide solvers and would-be solvers to advance towards the delights of the 'cryptic' variety, and second, to offer a succession of tips to those already in the promised land, on how to better approach such puzzles, and how to improve their existing skills. The 'rules of the game' are comparatively few and fairly easy to learn. In Cracking Cryptic Crosswords, Colin Dexter provides a personal and masterful guide to recognizing and interpreting the various types of crossword clue - the essential pre-requisite to success in filling in any crossword grid"--Publisher description.

Challenge yourself at home with word and number puzzles An updated edition from expert crossword setter and experienced tutor, Tim Moorey, including 24 brand-new annotated practice crosswords.

The cryptic crossword world explained the fun and easy way 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.

Are you baffled by cryptic crosswords? Do you want to increase your word power and exercise your brain, but can't always make any sense of the clues? This book is packed with all the know-how, hints and tricks you will ever need to help you find the right answers every time. From clever to cunning to downright devious, all the different types of clue are here, with tips on how to recognise them, interpret them and, of course, solve them! Not only is doing crossword puzzles a great recessionary hobby because it costs very little to pursue, but solving a daily puzzle is good for your health: it has been shown to help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's, or at least delay its onset. With around one hundred and fifty clues analysed and explained in full, you will soon be on your way to the satisfaction of completing your first crossword grid; impressing your family, friends and fellow commuters; and maybe even winning a prize!

Offers a selection of eighty entertaining cryptic challenges from the pages of the Daily Telegraph.

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!

Put your cryptic-cracking skills to use! With over 50 puzzles and 1,750 clues for you to conquer, Cryptic Crossword Puzzles for Dummies is filled with cryptics that range from (relatively) simple to expert-level, along with brief explanations of the most common types of clues and helpful hints on how to solve them. Used on its own or as a companion to Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies, this book will keep your brain busy for hours! Apply the basics: use fundamental rules to solve puzzles Build your solving skills: practise consistently on various grid types Tackle pesky anagrams: decode anagram clues aplenty Use sums to find the answer: add and subtract letters to get the correct word Detect double definitions: answer hints with more than one meaning Explore hidden messages: become a master at uncovering unseen solutions