About cryptic crosswords although the crossword puzzle was invented in the united states by an englishman cryptic crosswords are a british creation the first all cryptic crossword in english was created in 1926 by poet and translator edward powys mathers who called himself torquemada after the spanish grand inquisitor his clues were fairly obscure and difficult to solve after him came ximenes derrick macnutt who devised some guidelines for setting fairclues his successor azed . A free daily cryptic crossword thats not too difficult just right for solving in your coffee break it is also an ideal cryptic crossword for beginners to tackle solve it online or use the printable version if you wish you can use the timer to time your progress timer start stop reset how to play previous puzzles home american crossword quick crossword easy cryptic crossword . Guardian puzzles app crosswords blog editor quick cryptic prize weekend quiptic genius speedy everyman azed more cryptic a cryptic crossword is published every weekday in the guardian january . Challenge yourself with the globe and mails free daily cryptic crossword and other puzzles play online or print at home