Sarah Lolley
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Cryptic Crossword Tutorial: Mastering the Riddles

There are seven types of cryptic crossword riddles. Some are harder than others but each one is a form of word play.

Which type of riddle do you want to learn about first?

Riddle Type #1: The delightful anagram

Riddle Type #2: The dastardly composed clues

Riddle Type #3: The clever double-meaning

Riddle Type #4: The palm-slap homophone

Riddle Type #5: The (surprisingly well) hidden word

Riddle Type #6: The easy-peasy first or last letter clue

Riddle Type #7: The “second verse, same as the first” clue

Bonus Riddle Type: The igpay atinlay ueclay

You know what? I think I’m ready to try a practice puzzle!


All done? Let me know what you thought!

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I'd love to hear what you thought of the cryptic crossword tutorial: what you liked, what confused you, and what you'd like to see next.

Send me a note and let me know.

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Me, tackling one of the Globe and Mail's enormous Christmas crossword puzzles.
Go to Practice Puzzles
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