azed crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "azed crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide accurate solutions and in-depth explanations to help you complete your puzzle and deepen your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "azed crossword" by Letter Count
7 Letters
CRYPTIC: Refers to the style of crossword puzzle that Azed is famous for, known for its intricate wordplay and double meanings.
8 Letters
OBSERVER: The newspaper where the Azed crossword appears weekly, a key part of its identity.
More About "azed crossword"
The term "Azed crossword" refers to the highly distinctive and often challenging cryptic crossword published weekly in The Observer newspaper. Azed, the pseudonym of setter Jonathan Crowther, has cultivated a reputation for crafting puzzles that adhere strictly to cryptic rules, offering a purist's delight for seasoned solvers.
Jonathan Crowther has been setting these puzzles since 1972, making the Azed crossword a beloved institution within the UK crossword community. His puzzles are known for their elegant clueing, sophisticated wordplay, and sometimes more obscure vocabulary, making them a benchmark for excellence in cryptic crosswords.
Solving an Azed crossword is often considered a badge of honour among enthusiasts, demanding not just a good vocabulary but also a deep understanding of cryptic techniques and a keen eye for subtle misdirection. The consistent quality and challenging nature ensure its enduring popularity.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Understand Cryptic Clues: Azed crosswords are primarily cryptic. Familiarize yourself with common cryptic clue types like anagrams, reversals, hidden words, and double definitions.
- Focus on Wordplay: Don't just look for synonyms. Azed's clues are masterfully crafted word puzzles. Break down the clue into its components (definition and wordplay).
- Check for Indicators: Look for specific words that indicate a certain type of wordplay, e.g., 'scrambled' for anagrams, 'about' for reversals, 'in' for hidden words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an Azed crossword different?
Azed crosswords are distinguished by their adherence to strict cryptic rules, elegant clueing, and often include more obscure vocabulary, making them a challenge for even experienced solvers. They appear weekly in The Observer.
Who is Azed?
Azed is the pseudonym of Jonathan Crowther, a renowned British crossword setter who has been setting puzzles for The Observer since 1972, maintaining a consistent and highly regarded style.
Are Azed crosswords suitable for beginners?
Generally, Azed crosswords are considered advanced due to their complexity and vocabulary. Beginners might find them overwhelming and should perhaps start with simpler cryptic crosswords before tackling an Azed.