About

Krypticle is a daily cryptic clue game designed to help people practice the core mechanisms of cryptic crosswords, one clue at a time.

My name is Kyle Haynie, and I've been a big fan of cryptic crosswords for years now. I was originally inspired by the “Cracking The Cryptic” YouTube channel, which features a weekly series of videos explaining how to solve cryptic crosswords. I was fascinated by the wordplay, but there was a problem:

These puzzles were too British.

I came to understand common indicators and clue types, but becoming fluent in the full breadth of British slang, geography, and cultural references is a challenge I don’t think I’ll ever fully overcome. As an American, how am I supposed to know that “tosh” and “moonshine” can be synonymous because they can both mean “nonsense”? And don’t get me started on the cricket references.

That’s not to say there aren’t American cryptics out there. Notably, The New Yorker is an excellent source of cryptic content for all levels. AVCX also comes to mind - they publish several superbly written puzzles every week, cryptic or otherwise. Please check them out!

But more is more. I want to help expand this hobby and show the beauty of cryptics to as many people as possible. So how do I accomplish this?

This is where my second inspiration comes in. Krypticle would not exist without the influence of Minute Cryptic, a fantastic daily game that teaches people around the world how cryptic clues work. I wanted to join them in popularizing this wonderful hobby with a satisfying daily game, and lean even further into the educational side of things.

So thank you for being here, and enjoy solving!