1ACross

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Cryptic Crossroads Puzzles

Cracking Cryptics

BySowmya

Feb 24, 2020 #Bahrain, #BKS International Bookfest, #Cracking Cryptics, #Crosswords, #Cryptic, #How to solve, #Manama, #Video, #Workshop

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When I conducted the first “Cracking Cryptics” workshop in November 2019, little did I expect that this would have a thriving following on Whatsapp or that we would be holding a second workshop in Bahrain.

I was invited by Shabini Vasudev, on behalf of the “Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam” to conduct a session as part of the “BKS Interntaional Bookfest” and I was happy to accept.

The session was held on 22nd February 2020 at the BKS premises in Bahrain.

I had created a mini cryptic crossword puzzle exclusively for this event. All visitors to the Bookfest which began on Friday 21st had a chance to try and complete the puzzle and drop off the completed copy to the organizers. From the submissions received, we had only one all correct entry and the prize winner was “Maya Sharma”

Here is the link to the crossword – in case you want to have a go at it Cracking Cryptics

Here is a video of the full session. – This has most of the video captured live by Mr. V.P. Nandakumar of the BKS. I have interspersed the video with slides from my presentation – although the effort is amateurish, at best, it should give you a fair insight on how to solve a cryptic crossword like the one in the link.

Hope you enjoy the video. Do share your feedback with me.

By Sowmya

Sowmya is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and independent financial consultant based in the Middle East (Bahrain). She is a puzzle editor at Amuselabs. She has set over 1,300 crosswords for various publications including over 1000 mini crosswords, cryptic crosswords (under the pseudonym Hypatia for The Hindu) and themed crosswords for Cat.a.lyst (part of The Hindu Businessline). Sowmya runs the Facebook group 1Across where seasoned cruciverbalists interact while setting and solving clues. She has published three compilations of crosswords viz Cryptic Crossroads Volumes 1, 2 and 3. She Tweets cryptic clues daily @somsram

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6 thoughts on “Cracking Cryptics”

    1. Thanks Prasad – It’s in the hands of people like you and me. As you can see in the video the kids are really receptive and learn super quick. Once they get addicted to the joy of solving – it will be a win win situation.

    1. We are having regular weekly competitions – however they are done through the FB group since it’s easier for administration. Each week’s game is hosted by the previous winner and we have a fabulous participation by both professional and amateur setters.

  3. Your method of explaining the whole thing in this post is in fact pleasant, everyone be capable of effortlessly be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

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