to be annoyed that I struggle with cryptic crosswords...

[NessCathy]

I've been trying to get into cryptic crosswords, and I'm really annoyed that I struggle with them, and some find them so easy. I can usually get a few and when I cheat, find myself thinking either
a) Oh, that's so bloody obvious, or
b) How could anyone have put all that together?

Anyone else like them? Maybe we could have a MN group to improve? Or a grandmaster to help us?

Is it 'I haven't got a clue'? Brilliant!

Hah! Didn't see Wamster. I'm always late...

I've just been reprising my skillset with this quiptic crossword from the Guardian - it's an online quick cryptic, meant to be relatively easy and it has all sorts of "cheat" options - but one thing it doesn't do is explain the clues to you. A good place to start though - really not too difficult. :)

Been out all day but just had a quick look. First to be done are 11a,12a,28a,2d,26d. I think the Thursday setter is a bit different from the others, he mentions people and bands sometimes.

I've got those now as well - actually seem to be doing quite well. I was happy with 7a

have got: 2d, 7a, 6d, 8d, 13a, 16a, 20a, 26d, 27d.

the anagram at 1d is annoying me!

work's over for the day, I got 1d, but not got 8d, 13a. I think I have 27d, but I'm not sure. It fits with the definition (does Independence give you I? - then I have it?)

I also have 24a, 28a, 2d, 6d. Is 8d a charade type clue?

I'm having to go out in a second, but I will follow with interest

8d is a pop culture reference

Inertia - i don't really get it, is it just that it sort of looks like a cockerel's tail?

If we carry on tomorrow I'll get the paper, too late for today.

jks

the "tail" or last letter of cock is "k".

Ah of course, doh!

it took me a while to realise too.

but that's why i like crosswords. it's a good puzzle!

Here's a nice cryptic clue I saw once:

A number of fingers (3 letters)

@Wamster :)

I have a few more now. Am also stuck on 1d though!

I'm doing amazingly well (for me). I've managed to get most of it

I'm missing 18a, 21a, 3d, half of 5d, 19d and 22d. I could give a hint on 1d (I can let you know which is the definition bit)

Of those I have 18a. The definition part is the first three words, if that helps.

Ten? Ice?

I think the definition part of 1d is the last two words?

i know i'm going to kick myself when i get 22d

and is 1d a traditional instrument? anagram of rue (minus e), plus gout and sciatica?

that's wher i've got to so far...

Ameretti, you are correct, and there's an anagram of bits of the clue (with a bit of jiggery pokery).

Thanks for your hint

Born, that's right - get the anagram and you're there. I can't yet see 18a, but it helps knowing the definition is the first three words

there are a few i've got such as 15d where I can't see where it comes from

yes hocuspontas it's ice