Australian Crosswords

I’m often asked about the meaning of a question mark (“?”) at the end of a clue. When I’m solving, I’m struck by a lack of consistency by individual setters and across setters in general when using it. Solvers need to rely on certain aspects of a setter’s work, so they don’t feel that the rules are changing from puzzle to puzzle. Different setters do different things, sure, but there is still a need for consistency from each setter. I use a question mark in three circumstances: 1) where I’ve employed language abuse, that is, some aspect of the clue may not be taken at face value (in 13-down, REPRESENTED must be interpreted as RE-PRESENTED in order for the clue to work); 2) the clue is in the form of a question; 3) the defining part a clue is more of an example, suggestion or implication, than being synonymous. I’ve seen a question mark used where a definition isn’t quite right, or something in the clue isn’t right (like the use for double-duty) – one thing they are not, is an excuse for poor clue-writing, or a catch-all for lazy work.

Difficulty of a puzzle is determined by a multitude of factors. It starts before the setter even enters a word – with the grid. Regardless of what follows in terms of word selection and clue complexity, certain grids will always lead to harder puzzles. Those that have many answers with missing initials and those that contain slots where more than half of the answers can’t be obtained from crossing letters, pose a built-in difficulty from the off. These grid variables, of course, can be considered as part of a setter’s armoury, and deployed accordingly. (As long as a setter has thought about what they are doing, it’s alright with me). Some publications have strict rules on what they consider acceptable grids and take the choice of grid out of the setter’s hands by supplying a standard set.

A solver noticed that 22-down wasn’t as good as it could be. The clue is sound, but the structure leaves the solver wondering which part is “upped” and which is the definition. Is it a word for CUT turned up that means SECURITY CODES, or is it a word that means CUT found when SECURITY CODES is upped? In isolation there are two valid answers, PINS and SNIP respectively, but only one can be right. To determine which one, the solver has to rely on crossing letters. This is an error on my part, as I believe wordplay alone should enable a solver to answer a clue without a reliance on the crossing letters. In other words, I should have worded the clue so the solver had no doubt what needed to be done. There are usually multiple options in any clue, but only one combination should lead you an answer where the components in a clue work together properly.