I completed the three samples we were given in the class I took. We did several clues as a class and then in small groups, and I finished them later (with a lot of help from online resources such as thesaurus, google, anagramfinder and oneacross. This was the first step.

The second involved downloading a whole heap along with a crossword software where I got to do them on my own, although I could check whether letters were correct, which I did several times, as well as aforementioned resources. I didn’t ask the software to reveal any letters though. and I did finish a crossword that way.

I’ve started the next step – doing one of these by myself but without using cheat resources – only exception is once I think I have the answer (from the definition) I can use something like a thesaurus to help me check the wordplay until I understand the clue in both senses. I’ve done well in one of these, but I can only cross off this goal once I manage to complete one in this way without cheating. Very happy with my progress so far after only a few days.

I took the introductory class in solving cryptic crosswords last night and I found it really helpful. We were taught basic clues and about the definition, linking words, instruction and fodder. I found to my surprise that I was able to do three clues from one sample before the class began. We did a number of clues as a class, and then in small groups, and I’ve been doing more clues since then. Often I find it easiest to try to work backwards from a synonym of the definition that fits the number of clues, to then try to make that fit the wordplay. It gets easier as I have more letters, and it’s great that having two parts of a clue means that when I get it right I can be sure of it, and don’t have to go back to fix an answer later when the letters don’t fit for another clue (which I do sometimes in quick crosswords).
I’m excited about doing more!

I've registered for a class in January to teach me how to do these. Very exciting!