From clueless to clued up: How to solve the Guardian cryptic crossword

Do cryptic crosswords leave you a bit puzzled? Or perhaps you solve a few clues, then run out of steam? Come along to our fun-filled Masterclass and you’ll learn how to have a good crack at the cryptic crossword – and perhaps even finish it!

This hands-on class is led by John Halpern (aka Paul), one of the Guardian’s leading crossword setters. During the course, you’ll be introduced to the 12 types of cryptic clues – from anagrams to deletions and abbreviations – and learn how to recognise and solve them.

Over the course of the day, you’ll receive expert insights into how crosswords are written (a bit like learning how magic tricks are done) and get involved in practical activities, where you’ll tackle cryptic clues and solve a whole puzzle as a team.

Content

• A brief history of the cryptic crossword

• An introduction to the different types of cryptic crosswords across various newspapers, plus insights into how they’re written

• The 12 types of cryptic clue – how to spot them and solve them

• Session 1 – anagrams, hiddens and double definitions

• Session 2 – reversals, containers and sound-alikes

• Session 3 – deletions, cryptic definitions, charades

• Session 4 – abbreviations, &Lit, miscellaneous

• Session 5 – solving a full cryptic crossword – yippee!

• Practical activities – learn how to crack each of the 12 types of cryptic clue, then solve a whole puzzle as a team

• Handouts to help you to solve cryptic clues and continue improving your skills after the class

• Regular opportunities for feedback and Q&A – plus a few laughs along the way

Tutor profile

John Halpern (aka Paul) is the Guardian and the UK’s most published cryptic crossword setter. His crosswords also appear in the Financial Times, The Independent and The Times, among other publications. John lives in Brighton and is married to a woman whose name is an anagram of ‘entail’; they have a son whose name is hidden in the word ‘taramasalata’. He’s the author of The Centenary of the Crossword and tweets @crypticpaul.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website