Australian Crosswords

I bet if I asked you for your favourite cryptic clue, or you were asked for an example of a cryptic clue, it would either be a cryptic definition (where there’s a disguised definition and no wordplay) or an &lit (where the wordplay and the definition overlap entirely). These two clue types may be seen at each end of the cryptic spectrum as the rest of the clue types fit somewhere in-between. Neither would be considered a typical form of cryptic clue and it’s quite likely that you won’t see them often in your everyday cryptic crossword. So why do these clue types get labelled as favourites or used as examples? It’s quite common for cryptic solvers to be asked by non-solvers about their hobby/obsession and there’s a need to have some examples tucked away for these situations. How would you “explain” cryptic clues briefly based on the two-part wordplay/definition breakdown that we are all familiar with? It’s difficult, as without some cryptic understanding, the inquirer is likely to be bamboozled even in regard to a basic concept like the anagram. However, a cryptic definition can be understood by all without any cryptic insight – the inquirer just needs to alter their thinking a little. Pointing them in the right direction can lead to the answer that clearly equates to the clue. To some extent an &lit is the same as the whole thing represents the definition – something everyone can understand. Cryptic definitions are also easy to remember and provide that “aha” moment that some solvers crave. Can you imagine someone trying to explain a container and contents clue with anagrammed fodder involved – no hope – yet these types of clues are what cryptics crosswords are all about.

I can’t really remember my first steps when I decided to try to compile a cryptic crossword, however, I do know lots of things I DIDN’T do before attempting to do so. It’s a common mistake for an amateur to just “have a go”, believing that they have enough knowledge from being on the receiving side of something to at least create something reasonable. This goes for any kind of task, not just crossword compiling. I failed miserably at making sourdough after following recipes for four months because I didn’t really understand how to maintain a starter properly. Once I learnt about keeping a starter at home and about how to test its strength, I never looked back.
I had done no research or reading or solved crosswords from different sources before I started to compile. To some extent I had gleaned how clues worked, but you need more as a setter: you need to know why clues and the crosswords themselves are constructed the way they are. Without that knowledge amateurs will produce amateurish crosswords based on the crosswords they solve regularly. It’s very important to learn cryptic theory before trying to compile. Clue types, grid design, grammar, acceptable abbreviations, solvable wordplays, balance, difficulty etc are all areas that need to be understood to some degree BEFORE that first crossword is written. Start with a firm foundation and your efforts will demonstrate that you understand what you are trying to do.
My first cryptic crossword attempts were assembled with solver knowledge with little understanding of fundamental cryptic principles. Consequently they were laughable (according to my brother) despite me feeling that I’d done a reasonable job. Nothing really changed in that area until I did something about my lack of cryptic knowledge.

Answer: JANUARY TWENTY-SIX, AUSTRALIA DAY