“Like some steak? We will put on barbecue eventually” (4,4)*. And if you know what that means then not only is the answer appropriate to you, but the University of Buckingham might also be interested in having a word.
Psychologists have begun an investigation into the peculiar set of talents – and obsessions – that makes a good cryptic crossword solver. Why is it that some people can fill in the Saturday crossword over two rounds of marmalade on toast, while others are still struggling come the end of Sunday lunch?
“We are looking to see if there are certain sub-skills among
1. Try the puzzle. Don’t worry if you don’t get far, but look at the answer the next day and compare to the clues. Some will make sense. The more you look, the more will make sense.
2. Visit blogs where people discuss the crosswords. The best one is called Times for The Times. Every day someone posts an explanation for all the clues in that day’s crossword.
3. Buy one of the many books on the subject. The Times recently published "How to master The Times crossword," by Tim Moorey.
4. Try lots of crosswords!