What is Minute Cryptic?
Cryptic crosswords have a reputation for being impenetrable, and Minute Cryptic sets out to change that. Instead of a full grid, you get a single cryptic clue each day. Every cryptic clue hides two ways to reach the answer: a straight definition and a piece of wordplay, such as an anagram, a hidden word or a homophone. Minute Cryptic offers gradual hints if you get stuck and explains how the clue works once you have solved it, so every day teaches you a little more of the language of cryptics. Within a few weeks, clues that once looked like nonsense start to make sense, which is genuinely rewarding. It is ideal for curious beginners who have always wanted to understand cryptic crosswords, and also a quick daily warm-up for experienced solvers who just want one good clue with their coffee.
How to play
- Read the clue: one part is a definition, the rest is wordplay.
- Use the hints one at a time if you get stuck.
- Read the explanation afterwards to learn the trick for next time.
Quick facts
- Typical time
- 1–10 min · depending on the clue (and on you)
- Difficulty
- Medium · it gets easier as you learn the tricks
- Price
- Today's clue is free. A paid membership adds the archive of past clues and mini cryptic crosswords.
- Account
- Not needed to play. Make one to keep your stats and streak.
- Past puzzles
- For paying members only.
- On a phone
- In the browser, or in apps for iPhone and Android.
- Scoring
- A 'par' score, like golf: the fewer hints and letters you use, the better.
Tips to get better
- Look for the definition at the start or the end. Almost every cryptic clue has a plain definition at one end and the wordplay at the other. Work out which end is which and you're halfway there.
- Learn the signal words. Words like 'broken', 'wild' or 'mixed up' often mean an anagram. 'In', 'some' or 'part of' can mean the answer is hidden inside the clue. 'Back' or 'returning' can mean a word is reversed.
- Ignore what the sentence seems to mean. Clues are written to read like a normal sentence and lead you the wrong way. Read each word for what it could do, not for what the sentence is about.
- Treat hints as lessons. Using a hint isn't cheating. Each one shows you a technique you'll spot by yourself next time. Try to keep your score at par or below.
- Always read the explanation, even when you got the answer. Sometimes you got there by a different route, and the explanation shows you the intended one.
Who it's for
Minute Cryptic suits anyone who has looked at a cryptic crossword and thought 'how does anyone do this?' One clue a day is a manageable dose, and the explanations mean you learn something even on days you get stuck. Don't be fooled by the name: some clues take a lot longer than a minute. If you want a race against the clock, try The Mini Crossword or The Atlantic Crossword instead.
