The Times How to Crack Cryptic Crosswords

“The best ‘how to solve’ book available” Richard Browne, former Crossword Editor The TimesAn updated edition from expert crossword setter and experienced tutor, Tim Moorey, including 24 brand-new annotated practice crosswords.

With clear pictorially presented explanations for many clues, you can revel in the deep satisfaction that comes from finishing cryptic crossword puzzles.

Designed to apply to the solving of any cryptic crossword, this book develops and expands Tim’s first book, How to Master The Times Crossword, and is designed to guide the cryptic crossword beginner to an enriched solving experience.

24 clearly annotated practice puzzles from different newspaper and magazine sources
Many new hints and tips to help every solver
Greatly expanded lists e.g. of those all-important abbreviations you should know
10 top tips from a champion solver on how to tackle a typical daily cryptic
Up-to-date sections on the latest help available online eg smartphone and tablet apps
In-depth and clear explanations of every clue and puzzle answer
Suitable for children as an introduction to cryptics

Author Biography

Tim Moorey has been solving Times crosswords for over 50 years, having begun in his early teens. His setting career started at an equally early age, when he submitted puzzles to the London Evening News, who offered two guineas for each successful puzzle. His business career, as a financial controller and director of several BP subsidiary companies, allowed little time for more setting until 1991 when Tim started a second career at the Civil Service College and joined The Sunday Times team. He now sets crosswords as Mephisto and Owzat in various newspapers and magazines. In addition, having won the monthly Observer Azed contest many times, he was the joint winner in the annual competition for 2004/5. Tim also runs crossword workshops for beginners and, as the Cluru (the Clue Guru), provides help for puzzled puzzlers for the Crossword Club.