The following comment was posted by Times crosswords editor Jason Crampton in reply to some rather testy comments in the blog for Quick Cryptic 2937 by Teazel:
Richard Rogan’s guide to setters said “the Quick Cryptic is intended to be an easier version of the main cryptic crossword, on a slightly smaller (13×13) grid”. Elsewhere in the guide he suggests the Quick Cryptic should continue to be a “reliable stepping stone to the main act”.
I have extended Richard’s guide to include some guidance about avoiding “crossword-ese” that is only likely to be known be experienced solvers. In other words, Richard’s view was that the puzzle is nothing more than an easier cryptic crossword and I am keen that it should remain so. So there is a clear understanding on the part of the setters (and the editor!) about what is required.
In terms of how that is achieved, setters should: avoid definitions that are too oblique or fanciful; use wordplay elements that should be well known; and avoid overly complex wordplay. (I admit that HOY in today’s crossword fails that test, in terms of familiar wordplay elements, although I would argue that the clue is still solvable, given the definition. And I would say one of the joys of solving crosswords is learning new words like HOY from time to time.) Many of the Quick Cryptic setters have been around since it was introduced, including Teazel. They are very experienced setters, both of quick and standard cryptics, and know exactly what is required and how to achieve it. For those of you that only solve the Quick Cryptic, have a look at a standard 15×15 and the corresponding blog on TftT and compare the complexity of the clues with those in the QC.
It is also worth noting that the setters and I are all expert solvers. Quick Cryptics do not take me long to solve and there is little variation in the time it takes me to solve them. So it isn’t as easy as people might think to judge the difficulty of a Quick Cryptic (at least for someone who has the skills required to edit them).
It is not helpful to learn that a particular puzzle should never have been published in the Quick Cryptic slot. I take considerable time over editing these puzzles – they are more difficult to edit, in some ways, given the constraints – and try to ensure they are suitable. They will (and should, in my opinion) vary in difficulty. I think a puzzle series in which every puzzle could be completed by every solver would attract criticism. The SNITCH scores indicate there is more variation in the difficulty of the 15×15 puzzle than there is in the Quick Cryptic, which I think is appropriate.
It would, however, be helpful to understand what aspects of a Quick Cryptic solvers have found difficult, so do post constructive comments explaining which clues have caused you problems. I won’t necessarily respond to such comments, but I will be mindful of and make setters aware of those comments I feel are useful.