Cryptic Clues That Refer To Other Clues
In the latter case the referencing is usually quite straightforward, such as simply an answer that is split over several answer runs, so we will focus here on the former case, the clue that refers to other clues in cryptic crosswords.
These often appear where there is a theme, and it is not uncommon for a setter to make this a feature of a puzzle with several clues that reference a particular answer.
In most cases, the key to solving these puzzles is to work out as soon as you can the answer to the clue all the others refer to, so that you have a chance of making good progress with the puzzle.
As an example, the answer to 7 Across could turn out to be "novel", and then lots of clues in the grid will be something like "7 - cryptic clue here". Thus '7' will actually mean that the answer is a novel, and be the straight part of the clue, and so the puzzle will end up with the names of lots of books in it.
People tend to either love or hate such puzzles. Those who love them tend to enjoy cracking the theme, and admire the ingenuity of the setter in being able to construct a grid that has so many themed answers in, and often long ones at that.
Those on the other side point out the flaw: until you get the link, the puzzle can be deeply unsatisfying and hard to break into. Once you've got the link, the puzzle can suddenly become very easy, as you have a big head start on solving many of the clues in the grid.
What are your thoughts on crosswords that have lots of answers that refer to a particular answer in the grid - do you like this style of puzzle and the themeing opportunities it provides, or do you feel it has more negative points than plus points? Do share your thoughts below. Or perhaps you've seen a particularly good and creative use of referential clues - if you have any good examples you'd like to share, then again please do so below.
Date written: 20 Apr 2015
Comment on this post
You must be logged in to comment - please Register or Login
Introduction To Points And Awards
Welcome to this introduction to the points and awards system here at Wordy Puzzle.
When you complete a puzzle, you'll get more than just the satisfaction of completing the puzzle! As long as you don't use the 'show solution' button to reveal the...
Added: 14 Mar 2015
Tips On Writing Crossword Clues
Writing crossword clues is a difficult art form, and there is no doubt that lots of practice is essential to getting it right. It is also worth noting right from the start that the style and balance of clues you write will depend very much on the type of...
Added: 04 Apr 2015
The Benefits Of Solving Word Puzzles
There are many benefits to solving word puzzles. First and foremost, doing so is a very inexpensive hobby, puzzles are fun and satisfying to solve, and word puzzles provide a very effective form of 'brain training'.
As opposed to solving logic puzzles...
Added: 26 Apr 2015
What Makes A Valid Crossword Grid?
What constitutes a valid crossword grid varies from country to country. Here we focus on what counts as a valid grid in the UK.
- Firstly, the grid dimensions should be odd, eg 13 x 13 or 15 x 15; these are the two most common grid sizes. In the vast...
Added: 07 Apr 2015
Learning To Solve Codewords
Learning to solve codewords takes patience: they are one puzzle type that you definitely get better at over time, and can find extremely difficult the first few puzzles you solve. After that you will find tactics that work for you, and will be able to...
Added: 26 Mar 2015
Back to Puzzle Blog
Puzzle Types:
