This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/2017/jun/23/some-cross-words-about-cryptic-clues
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Some cross words about cryptic clues | Some cross words about cryptic clues |
| (11 days later) | |
| Richard Walker (Letters, 22 June) argues that all of your cryptic crosswords should be brought down to the level of the least difficult – on the principle of “for the many, not the few”. But that rallying cry does not mean levelling down, it means respecting and accommodating different levels and different needs, with pathways between them: the comprehensive system, not the grammar. The Guardian crossword setup is a fine instance of that principle in action, with every setter identified, and a range of difficulties from – in this typical week – the entry-level Rufus on Monday to Screw and Arachne. Please keep it that way.Charles BarrNorwich | Richard Walker (Letters, 22 June) argues that all of your cryptic crosswords should be brought down to the level of the least difficult – on the principle of “for the many, not the few”. But that rallying cry does not mean levelling down, it means respecting and accommodating different levels and different needs, with pathways between them: the comprehensive system, not the grammar. The Guardian crossword setup is a fine instance of that principle in action, with every setter identified, and a range of difficulties from – in this typical week – the entry-level Rufus on Monday to Screw and Arachne. Please keep it that way.Charles BarrNorwich |
| • Before I retired in 2011 I used to complete the Guardian cryptic crossword every day, despite being in a busy working environment. Now work free, I have twice this week thrown down the puzzle in frustration. What has happened? Has some sadistic virus permeated your bunch of setters. Oh, and by the way, I am an ex-Mensan with a 150 IQ.Phil GarnerDerby | • Before I retired in 2011 I used to complete the Guardian cryptic crossword every day, despite being in a busy working environment. Now work free, I have twice this week thrown down the puzzle in frustration. What has happened? Has some sadistic virus permeated your bunch of setters. Oh, and by the way, I am an ex-Mensan with a 150 IQ.Phil GarnerDerby |
| • Well said, Richard Walker. Anyone who has visited the blog 15 Squared will find a small group of bloggers who vie with one another to praise the most obscure clues, using phrases like “wonderful witty misdirection” and “lovely storytelling surfaces”. They belittle Rufus and adore the “tricks” of Arachne as a “masterclass in setting”. I also urge the setters to consider the many and ignore this self-congratulatory group of bloggers.Peter WilksGlasgow | • Well said, Richard Walker. Anyone who has visited the blog 15 Squared will find a small group of bloggers who vie with one another to praise the most obscure clues, using phrases like “wonderful witty misdirection” and “lovely storytelling surfaces”. They belittle Rufus and adore the “tricks” of Arachne as a “masterclass in setting”. I also urge the setters to consider the many and ignore this self-congratulatory group of bloggers.Peter WilksGlasgow |
| • Richard Walker calls for the cryptic crossword to be made easier. Please don’t. Some days I finish it, some days I don’t. If I knew I’d always finish it, there’d be no point attempting it. Oh, and “Richard Walker” is an anagram of “A threat to all we hold dear”. Or if it’s not, it should be.Peter HuntLondon | • Richard Walker calls for the cryptic crossword to be made easier. Please don’t. Some days I finish it, some days I don’t. If I knew I’d always finish it, there’d be no point attempting it. Oh, and “Richard Walker” is an anagram of “A threat to all we hold dear”. Or if it’s not, it should be.Peter HuntLondon |
| • Thank you, Richard Walker, for your letter. This is most reassuring – I had assumed it was just my failing brain.Pearl Norman (aged 91)Meopham, Kent | • Thank you, Richard Walker, for your letter. This is most reassuring – I had assumed it was just my failing brain.Pearl Norman (aged 91)Meopham, Kent |
| • For the many, the quick; for the few, the cryptic: gives you one (5).CW WatsonCanterbury, Kent | • For the many, the quick; for the few, the cryptic: gives you one (5).CW WatsonCanterbury, Kent |
| • Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com | • Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com |
| • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters | • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters |
| Crosswords | Crosswords |
| Newspapers | Newspapers |
| Newspapers & magazines | Newspapers & magazines |
| National newspapers | National newspapers |
| letters | letters |
| Share on Facebook | Share on Facebook |
| Share on Twitter | Share on Twitter |
| Share via Email | Share via Email |
| Share on LinkedIn | Share on LinkedIn |
| Share on Pinterest | Share on Pinterest |
| Share on Google+ | Share on Google+ |
| Share on WhatsApp | Share on WhatsApp |
| Share on Messenger | Share on Messenger |
| Reuse this content | Reuse this content |