Tag Archives: The Stickler

What do you think is the most important factor a setter has to consider before they sit down to construct a cryptic crossword for a new publication/outlet? Grid size? Difficulty? Frequency? References used? Answer choices? They are all part of … Continue reading →

Piecing together cryptic clue wordplays is a fundamental part of cryptic crossword solving. A well-written clue should be solvable from its wordplay alone, so structuring a wordplay so that solvers are given enough information to reconstruct the answer is crucial … Continue reading →

The internet is a fascinating place. It allows all people with a connection the ability to get involved, either as an originator or a contributor, or both. It shouldn’t surprise us that there are thousands of niches out there just … Continue reading →

What do you see when you look at the word INSPECTOR (15-down)? If I asked you for clueing ideas, what would you come up with? IN + SPECTOR (Beatles record producer),  or maybe anagrams like PC IN STORE or PR … Continue reading →

As a setter, I make it my business to keep track of what’s happening in the world of crosswords. This means visiting other setters’ websites, solving various crosswords and reading crossword blogs. We don’t host many of these in Australia, … Continue reading →