Learn how to conquer the cryptic crossword

Arts & Entertainment Scene Scene What's On

Staff Writer
August 31, 2023

By KELLY O’HARE

Crossword puzzles have been a beloved pastime for more than a century, challenging and entertaining generations worldwide. The cryptic crossword emerged in the mid-1920s, bringing various forms of wordplay, anagrams, and hidden words — new concepts that, even for the seasoned crossword enthusiast, can appear quite daunting. Mastering the skill of solving a cryptic crossword requires practice and refinement, yet the satisfaction of conquering these puzzles makes the effort worthwhile. All it takes is patience and awareness of some basic rules and tricks of the trade.

Expert, Ralph Penglis, is hosting a pair of 2-hour workshops at the Margaret Martin Library in Randwick across two weekends in September. Penglis, a mastermind crossword solver, has shared his knowledge across Australia in various crossword workshops catering to beginners and to experienced solvers wanting to sharpen their skills.

The main way cryptic crosswords differ from normal crosswords is in the clues. In traditional crosswords, the clues often rely on trivia and synonyms. Cryptic clues, however, utilise two elements: a straightforward definition of the answer and a cryptic wordplay component that hints at the same solution. You might ask, wouldn’t two hints make it easier to solve? The kicker is that they are worded in order to mislead. This unique structure forces solvers to think creatively and critically.

Cryptic crossword puzzles come in two main types: the basic cryptic, in which each answer is entered into the diagram in the normal way, and “themed” or “variety” cryptics in which some or all of the answers must be altered before entering, usually following a hidden rule which is itself explained cryptically or must be deduced by the solver.

Ralph Penglis giving a cryptic crossword workshop at Mosman Library. Image: eventix

Mark McClain, who transitioned from being a crossword enthusiast to a well-known constructor, attributes his passion for crosswords to a 2006 documentary called Wordplay. It focus on Will Shortz, the New York Times crossword editor and crowned “puzzle master”. McClain urges every budding solver or creator to take a moment and watch this documentary, as it could be the little push they need to embark on their journey.

The upcoming sessions by Ralph Penglis provide an exclusive chance to delve into the intricacies of cryptic crosswords. Whether you’re a beginner intrigued by the challenge or an experienced solver aiming to refine your skills, these workshops offer a chance to learn from one of the best in the field. There’s no better time to embrace the journey of cryptic puzzle-solving.