Minute Cryptic

Minute Cryptic is a daily cryptic crossword game built to help you learn how cryptic clues work without the usual intimidation factor.

Instead of throwing a giant puzzle at you, it gives you one clue a day with hints, explanations, and space to learn as you solve.

Every cryptic clue has two main parts:

• a definition - a direct hint at the answer
• and wordplay - a clever set of instructions for building that answer

The wordplay usually includes:

• fodder - the letters or words you’ll work with
• indicators - words that tell you what to do with them (like mix, reverse, hide, delete, etc.)

As you play, you’ll start spotting common clue types such as:

• Anagrams
• Selectors
• Hiddens
• Reversals
• Containers
• Deletions
• Homophones
• and other substitution-based tricks

Minute Cryptic also teaches the idea of the clue’s surface - the way it reads at first glance, which is often designed to mislead you.

Why we like it:

• ✅Makes cryptic crosswords feel approachable.
• ✅Teaches real solving techniques, not just answers.
• ✅Great daily practice for building clue-solving instincts.

Hint: When you’re stuck, try splitting the clue into definition and wordplay first. That one move makes cryptics much less mysterious.