Computers And Cryptic Crosswords
Now, in this debate it is generally assumed that what is being talked about is whether the computer can create puzzles from a database of clues written by a human - it is generally agreed that a computer cannot write good cryptic clues: if you know of any then we would love to hear about them, so please let us know in the comments section.
But can a computer simply put together clues in the way that is often used for a quick crossword in order to make a good cryptic crossword puzzle?
Most people would say no, and the reason is that a setter will typically write some clues based on others in the grid, whereas a computer would fill a grid 'blind'. Most importantly, a good setter will look to have a balance of different clue types in a grid, whereas a computer just picking clues blindly would not be able to do this.
Others have countered that a computer could write a good puzzle by having different types of clue categorised and then ensuring a grid fill that has a good balance of clue types.
The defendants of the human creator would then say that the human setter will consider more things again - perhaps for instance using ellipsis clues that flow nicely together, or perhaps having a little theme running through the puzzle that a computer can't replicate, or again referring to another answer with several other answers in the grid.
This has been tried in the past - apparently a major British newspaper introduced cryptics created from a database of past clues once, but soon reversed the change after enough people complained that the quality of the puzzles fell. What would be a more interesting test is if a newspaper introduced computer compiled cryptics but didn't announce it, and see if anybody picked up on it.
What are your thoughts - can a computer create a good cryptic puzzle from human-written clues or not? Or perhaps you think a computer could even write the clues, if not now, then one day - please do share your thoughts below.
Date written: 19 Mar 2015
Comment on this post
You must be logged in to comment - please Register or Login
The Differences Between US And UK Crossword Grids
British and US crossword grids are very different. This is not something you might expect to be the case, but any puzzle lover who visits the other country soon realises that they are very different beasts.
It starts very much with the grid. With US...
Added: 27 Apr 2015
Codeword Solving Tool
If you want help with solving codewords, then there are various tips and techniques that you can use, as outlined on other blog entries here at Wordy Puzzle.
However, sometimes if you get completely stuck on a puzzle, then you might want some outside...
Added: 18 Mar 2015
General Knowledge Solving Tips
Solving general knowledge puzzles, surprisingly enough, requires a considerable amount of general knowledge. So far, so obvious. But how do you go about getting the knowledge that you require to solve a general knowledge crossword?
Well there are...
Added: 20 Mar 2015
How To Solve Anagram Clues
Solving anagram clues is different for quick and cryptic crosswords. With quick crosswords, the anagram is always indicated, either by (anag) or (anagram) written after the clue.
In contrast, with cryptic crosswords, it is never quite clear what the...
Added: 21 Mar 2015
Tips On Filling In A Crossword Grid
Writing a crossword is one of those many tasks in life that may seem very easy - until you come to do it! And many don't even think about the grid-filling part, simply the clue writing. Here we look at filling the grid, which must be done before you come...
Added: 03 Apr 2015
Back to Puzzle Blog
Puzzle Types:
