How on earth do you do a cryptic crossword?!?

It takes a while to get into them, but they're fun. There are all different types, but a good way to start is to look for clue words. For example, words that can be abbrievated like "North"=N, or "Doctor"=MD. Usually, you will scramble these together with another word. Other clue words will tell you what to do. For example, if the word "back" is in the clue, it might mean you need to read a word backwards. A portion of the clue will always be a definition, like on a normal crossword. The real key is: don't read the clue like a sentence. Imagine the words are completely independent of each other, just word salad.

In addition to the previous good answers, another way of getting into them is to try a crossword which has two sets of clues for the same answers - I think the Daily Express has one. If you can't do the cryptic clue, try the other one, and then see if you can puzzle out the cryptic clue - is it an anagram, a hidden word, a double meaning or what! Similarly, it helps to look at the answers to one you have attempted and work out where they came from. You may find e.g. the Daily Mail cryptic crossword a little easier than the Times, which is notoriously difficult. Stick with it - it's great fun and very satisfying!

It surely requires a lot of patience and a bit of lateral thinking. Once you start working on a specific set of clues, over a period of time you will find a pattern to them, specially if these daily crosswords are created by the same authors/creators.

For starters, you can find more information at this site which I found useful:

http://barelybad.com/crossword.htm

But as I said, it requires a lot of patience. 2 years down the line as a casual crossword solver, I celebrate if I solve at least 50% of the clues in our local newspaper. But what I see is that some of the clues get repeated. So if you patiently go through previous day's solution, over a period of time you'll be good at it. Its a good food for thought.

There are some really good books that can teach you how to do the cryptic eg there is a paperback guide to the Times Crossword which talks you through all the different types of 'clues' and then gives you practice sessions (and answers) Practice and you'll get it and it's great fun. Good luck!

Are you talking about the New York Times, or the London Times? With the former, you just have to figure out some of the double and triple meanings. I've never tried the latter.