One who creates crossword
On December 21, 1913, Arthur Wynne probably had no idea that he was launching a new type of pastime when he published the first crossword puzzle in the New York World. But it's a pastime that has proved to be remarkably enduring and is still loved by millions. In fact, there are few activities that provide the same sense of refuge from a hectic world as sitting in a comfortable armchair with a crossword puzzle and a cup of coffee.
Crosswords offer a way to escape the noise of daily life, providing a series of challenges that can be solved through focus and memory, and they can also be a wonderful form of mental exercise. But not all puzzles are created equal, and some offer greater challenge than others.
While solving a cryptic crossword, you need to consider multiple possibilities for each clue. This can make the process of solving a cryptic more difficult, but it can also lead to a satisfying and rewarding solving experience.
Cryptic definitions in a crossword are often written as puns, and these can be very effective and amusing. However, there is a danger that the puzzle setter may over-rely on this technique, and cryptic definitions can end up being obscure or obtuse and thus difficult to solve.
In some cases, the obtuse nature of a cryptic can be the result of the clue writer using too many synonyms for a particular word or phrase. This is known as a "crossing" and is a common mistake made by beginner puzzle setters. In other cases, the obtuse nature can be a result of the clue writer using an incorrect letter count when setting the clue.
