Parseword - for those who would like to be better at cryptic crosswords!

[UnaOfStormhold]

I am definitely not good at cryptic crosswords but feel this is both fun and a good way to get better

www.parseword.com/

Parseword #52
⏱️ 3m1s
💎 Perfect
🥚 Learn Mode

Just discovered this fabulous little game. It is going to cure me of a lifetime of feeling irritated by people who can look cleverer than me just because they have learnt the daft little tricks of cryptic crosswords.

I'm finding it hard to learn the way the app works. That seems as tricky as learning the structure of cryptic clues! I notice that my results say 'learn mode'. Presumably this means you can turn off the option to get hints, etc., which I hadn't realised.

I wish there was more than one puzzle a day. Already addicted.

Parseword #52
⏱️ 3m48s
⭐️ No Hints
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #52
⏱️ 1m51s
⭐️ No Hints
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #53
⏱️ 5m27s
⭐️ No Hints
🥚 Learn Mode

Tricky one. Knew the answer, just struggled to get the right connections.

Parseword #53
⚡️ 29s
💎 Perfect
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #53
⏱️ 5m6s
✅ 3 Hints

Parseword #53
⏱️ 1m6s
💎 Perfect
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #54
⚡️ 49s
⭐️ No Hints
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #54
⏱️ 1m29s
✅ 1 Hint

Parseword #54
⏱️ 1m16s
💎 Perfect
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #54
⚡️ 41s
💎 Perfect
🥚 Learn Mode

Yes me too!! Where do you actually type the solution, I couldn’t see?? Maybe you have to get the app

Yes, I found that baffling for a while. First you have to click each individual clue component (which may be one word or a combo of words) in order to get a set of options listed that includes the correct option. Then you click that correct option and it appears in the clue. When all correct options appear in the clue, you have (from memory!) to click all parts. Then the correct solution will appear below and you can click on that.

In a way, the arbitrariness and clunkiness of the mechanics it all part of the fun, since cryptic clues themselves are just arbitrary little dodges that people eventually stumble on and then repeat.

I used to think that they were pure logic and intellect and it INFURIATED me that I couldn't work them out.

ooh I was wondering if anyone had set up a thread on this. Agree that the mechanism is clunky. I saw yesterday's very quickly but couldn't work out how to get it in.

I just went to do it and it seems to reset at US time which is also a bit annoying.

For those interested in improving their cryptic skills, this is good too

Minute Cryptic share.google/x3zNedhHiNlAmB3um

He also has a YT video everyday explaining the answer.

And if you have a Times subscription, their daily quick cryptic is a good challenge.

They have a site too which explains the answers

Times Quick Cryptic No 3252 by Pedro – Times for The Times https://share.google/TogeDn72C72nKQUVe

Parseword #54
⚡️ 24s
💎 Perfect
🥚 Learn Mode

This looks like a good tool for learning about cryptics.
I agree with @Stowickthevast that, for anyone wanting to learn the ins and outs of such crosswords, the Times Quick Cryptic supplemented by the TimesfortheTimes blog is very useful.
There are lots of little tricks (experienced solvers will look at the word "flower" and immediately picture a river or stream rather than a bloom) but you need some flexibility of thought (rules aren't hard and fast - sometimes a "flower" is just a "rose") and a bit of general knowledge.
However, there are always wrangles on TftT about what constitutes GK.
Usually, it's GK if the poster knows it and not GK if they don't (even if everyone else does).
And although I'm fairly good at cryptic crosswords, I'm rubbish at Sudokus - sometimes it's a case of finding what puzzles suit you.
Happy Parsewording!

Parseword #55
⚡️ 23s
💎 Perfect
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #55
⏱️ 1m2s
⭐️ No Hints
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #55
⚡️ 55s
💎 Perfect

Enjoyed today's, feel I'm slowly getting the hang of it! Having a limited set of synonyms definitely helps! I can normally spot the instruction words but can spend ages thinking that a component is the whole or vice versa which can be frustrating.

Parseword #56
⏱️ 3m44s
⭐️ No Hints
🥚 Learn Mode

Parseword #56
⚡️ 54s
💎 Perfect
🥚 Learn Mode