A Conversation for Games Room
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
Icy North Started conversation Sep 21, 2011
Hi, h2g2 games fans, especially the fans of the Cryptic Clues game over at F2137311?thread=371212
Deep Doo Doo and I thought we should have a separate thread to discuss the merits of the clues posted there, and to engage in any cryptic clue-related chat - so as not to disrupt the flow of the game thread.
So here it is! 
I'll kick off with this question:
Was SACHET a better answer than POCKET for the clue "Spot the alien bag (6)"?
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
Deep Doo Doo Posted Sep 21, 2011
My thoughts are that 'pocket' is the far better answer to the clue. As I explained to Icy, my reason for offering 'sachet' was that 'sac' can mean a cyst, which (in turn) can mean a 'spot'. Using 'alien' to signify an anagram of 'the', I ended up with 'sachet'.
I know that cryptic-convention normally means that 'alien' equals 'ET', but Icy is known for his 'adjustments' and in my mind (and with no other offers proposed) I thought it worth a punt.
I'd never even considered 'pock' to mean 'spot' (as in pock-marked) but now Recumbentman has cracked the clue, I see that it fits far better.
My thanks to Icy for starting the thread - I really hope to see some discussion around the clues and some explanation of why others offer the suggestions that they do.
Sometimes a simple (4) word answer needs a little explaining! 
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
Deep Doo Doo Posted Sep 21, 2011
Actually, I should have explained things more clearly.
A 'sac' *can* be a cyst. And a cyst *can* sometimes be a 'spot', but that does not automatically mean that a cyst *is* a spot. A 'pock', however, is. That's why 'pocket' is the better clue/answer.
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
Deep Doo Doo Posted Sep 26, 2011
Current clue:
Ways to achieve growth (3)
I've answered NEW as in North, East, West. They are really 'points' though, rather than ways. 'New' could mean 'growth'.
Recumbentman thinks Sow. I'm assuming this is shorthand for 'South West'? Sow fits nicely with me (in terms of growth) ie to sow a field.
I have a feeling that both answers are wrong though.
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
Icy North Posted Sep 26, 2011
Oh, I see it now Yes, it's good, but not quite as precise a definition as I'd expect from Rudi's clues.
I came up with 'eat', but couldn't fit it at all.
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
Deep Doo Doo Posted Oct 25, 2011
Can anyone explain the logic behind RM's clue that has been answered as Sheet Bend?
"What resort be, he tends not to hear".
I can see how the answer has been formed from 'be, he tends' but I can't see how it fits with the clue. 
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
The Researcher formally known as Dr St Justin Posted Oct 25, 2011
resort => Re-sort => anagram
not to hear => sounds like knot
A sheet bend is a type of knot (well, bend...) for joining two ropes/lines together. I think.
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
The Researcher formally known as Dr St Justin Posted Oct 25, 2011
I don't think I'd have got it from the clue. Working back once you know the answer is something I find much easier!
Key: Complain about this post
Cryptic Clues - Discussion
- 1: Icy North (Sep 21, 2011)
- 2: Deep Doo Doo (Sep 21, 2011)
- 3: Deep Doo Doo (Sep 21, 2011)
- 4: Deep Doo Doo (Sep 26, 2011)
- 5: Icy North (Sep 26, 2011)
- 6: Deep Doo Doo (Oct 25, 2011)
- 7: The Researcher formally known as Dr St Justin (Oct 25, 2011)
- 8: Deep Doo Doo (Oct 25, 2011)
- 9: The Researcher formally known as Dr St Justin (Oct 25, 2011)
- 10: Deep Doo Doo (Oct 25, 2011)
More Conversations for Games Room
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."