The Guardian is approaching its millionth cryptic clue. While no overall database can pinpoint the exact moment, a milestone this week offers a reliable estimate. On Thursday, the Guardian Cryptic crossword will reach No 30,000. The puzzle began in January 1929, first appearing weekly, then twice a week, and soon daily, alongside quick crosswords, quick cryptics, quiptics, Genius puzzles, and more.
A Look Back at Milestones
To celebrate, we revisit what the puzzles were like 10,000 and 15,000 crosswords ago. Cryptic 20,000 is unfortunately unplayable online due to its wild content, but 20,001 by the great Crispa offers a taste of the era. Today's solvers may notice a higher word count in some clues than they are used to, and the Guardian's signature humour is on full display. A PDF of Crispa's puzzle is included for those nostalgic for the look and feel of 1994.
Historical Puzzles
- No 1: From the era when puzzles were still anonymous.
- No 276: Likewise anonymous, with its solution.
- No 15,000: By Custos, featuring two grids.
- No 20,000: By Araucaria, in rhyming couplets, with solution and how we marked that milestone.
Clue Sniffing and Special Features
A piece from 1982 by my predecessor John Perkin is also available. Additionally, we have something special planned for Thursday.
Genius Crossword Update
Entries have closed for April's Genius. The solution reveals that KGB was not playing by the usual rules: the completed grid and first set of instructions lead to a new set of instructions and a new in-puzzle puzzle. Congratulations to those who followed the breadcrumbs. This month's Genius is by Odo and is now live.
QUIP Cluing-Conference Results
Many thanks for the cluing-conference clues for QUIP. The audacity award goes to Calmasyoulike for the preposterous "Short retort from hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobe." Runners-up are Jacob_Busby's neat "Sharp shot from French team abandoning wingers" and YogicBear's poignant "Messed up QI joke." The winner is the lean and devious "Having no ecstasy, supply crack." Kludos to Mr_Rob_T. Please leave entries for THIRTY THOUSAND below, along with any favourite clues or puzzles you have spotted – and enjoy Thursday.
Alan Connor is the Guardian's crossword editor. His book 188 Words for Rain is published by Ebury (£16.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
