Logic GamesLogic & pattern practice
Wordle guide
Use letter feedback and handle repeated letters.
Puzzle practice guide
How to play Cryptic Crosswords
Connect definitions, wordplay, and crossing letters.
Practice cryptic clues individually or solve mini crossword grids. The practice grids combine clues from an attributed public dataset into new layouts; they are not reproductions of the publishers’ original crosswords. Type answers into the grid, use crossing letters, and check or reveal letters when you need help. Progress and practice results are stored on this device.
01 / The essentials
Cryptic Crosswords rules
- Each numbered entry has a clue and an enumeration showing its answer length. Commas and hyphens mark word boundaries; only letters occupy the grid.
- Across answers run left to right and down answers run top to bottom. Crossing entries share a letter, so both answers must agree at each crossing.
- Most cryptic clues combine a definition with wordplay that produces the same answer. Solve every open cell to finish the grid, or complete one answer in individual-clue practice.
02 / Build the habit
Cryptic Crosswords strategy
Find a possible definition
Try reading the beginning or end of the clue as a definition. Then ask whether the remaining words can construct an answer of the required length. A plausible synonym alone is not enough.
Identify the instruction
Words can signal rearranging letters, hiding an answer inside a phrase, reversing a string, or combining smaller pieces. Treat these as possibilities and verify every letter against the clue.
Use crossings to test a reading
A crossing letter can narrow several plausible answers to one. If a promising answer clashes with a crossing, revisit both clues instead of assuming the earlier entry is correct.
03 / Worked example
Definition plus anagram
In the example clue “Feline from act in disarray (3)”, “feline” defines CAT. The letters of ACT rearrange to CAT, and “in disarray” suggests that rearrangement. The definition, wordplay, and three-letter enumeration all agree.
04 / Put it into practice
A Cryptic Crosswords practice plan
- Begin with individual clues and look for the definition before typing an answer.
- Move to a mini grid and use an answer you understand to provide letters for its crossing clues.
- When stuck, check what you have entered or reveal a letter, then return to the clue and work out how its wordplay explains the answer.
A common mistake
Do not treat the clue as a straightforward definition throughout. Its natural surface reading can hide an instruction about letters. Equally, do not force an anagram unless you can identify the exact letters and a suitable definition.
Are these the original published crossword grids?
No. The mini practice layouts are assembled from an attributed public clue dataset. Individual-clue practice uses the same bank. Source and licensing information is linked from the game.
Guide updated . Rules describe the version on Logic Games.