The Guardian is nearing a significant milestone in its cryptic crossword history, approaching its one-millionth clue. While there is no comprehensive database to indicate when this milestone will be reached, we can deduce it from an important event happening this week.
This Thursday marks the publication of the 30,000th Guardian Cryptic crossword. The journey began in January 1929, initially offering crosswords weekly, then increasing to twice a week, and eventually transitioning to a daily format. This included various types such as quick crosswords, quick cryptics, quiptics, and Geniuses, among others.
In honor of this achievement, we will reflect on the styles of puzzles from 10,000 and 15,000 entries ago. Unfortunately, the 20,000th cryptic puzzle is not available for online play due to its unconventional content, which can be observed in the linked PDF. However, puzzle number 20,001, created by the esteemed setter Crispa, provides a glimpse into that period. Today’s solvers may notice a greater word count in some clues compared to modern standards, and the characteristic humor of The Guardian is prominently featured.
We will also provide a PDF of Crispa’s puzzle for those who wish to reminisce about the aesthetics and atmosphere of 1994, complete with its solution.
Additionally, we will include a piece from 1982 written by my predecessor, John Perkin, presented in rhyming couplets, along with its solution and how we celebrated that particular milestone.
As for Thursday, we have something special planned to mark the occasion.
Submissions for the April Genius puzzle have now closed. The solution shows that KGB deviated from traditional rules: the completed grid and its initial set of instructions lead solvers to another grid containing a fresh set of instructions, essentially presenting a new puzzle within the puzzle itself. A commendable effort if you managed to follow the clues.
This month’s Genius puzzle, crafted by Odo, is now available.
We appreciate your contributions to the cluing conference for QUIP. The audacity award goes to Calmasyoulike for the outrageous clue, “Short retort from hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobe.” The runners-up include Jacob_Busby with the clever “Sharp shot from French team abandoning wingers” and YogicBear with the touching “Messed up QI joke.” The winner is the succinct and cunning clue, “Having no ecstasy, supply crack.”
Kudos to Mr_Rob_T for his contributions. Please share your entries for the THIRTY THOUSAND puzzle below, along with any favorite clues or puzzles you have encountered. Enjoy Thursday’s celebrations!
Alan Connor serves as the crossword editor for The Guardian. His book, “188 Words for Rain,” is published by Ebury and retails for £16.99. To support The Guardian, you can order your copy at guardianbookshop.com, though delivery fees may apply.
