How is Azed different?
Essentially, there is no difference between Azed puzzles and other cryptic crosswords, though they are tougher than most and make frequent use of obscure and unusual words. In addition, roughly every sixth or seventh puzzle has a special theme, explained in the preamble.
What do the bars (thick lines) mean?
They have exactly the same function that black squares do in more conventional crosswords, ie they indicate where words end. A square between two parallel bars is thus “unchecked” by a word crossing it. The number of unchecked squares in a barred puzzle is considerably less than in a blocked puzzle, and this means that the solver has potentially more help from cross-checking letters.
What is the best dictionary to use?
The Chambers Dictionary is recommended. The source for word answers that are not in Chambers or that are less familiar is normally indicated.
How is the weekly prize puzzle different from the once-a-month competition puzzle?
Competition puzzles normally appear on the first Sunday in each month, plus an extra one at Christmas, ie 13 in the year. On all other Sundays in the year there is a prize puzzle, occasionally a thematic one but otherwise no different from the competition puzzles.
Monthly competition puzzles
Competition puzzles include one clue which is asterisked or otherwise indicated. Solvers hoping to win a prize must: (a) provide a correct solution to the puzzle; (b) submit a cryptic clue of their own to replace the asterisked definition; and (c) provide a brief explanation of their clue. Submission instructions can be found below. £35, £30 and £25 (book tokens) will be awarded to the three clues judged best by Azed (which accompany correct solutions to the puzzle) respectively. The three winners will also each receive an Azed bookplate. Prizes are sent by post.
Weekly prize puzzles
Ten days after a prize puzzle has been published (ie Wednesday week following publication of the relevant prize puzzle), readers’ entries will be selected at random from all those received by the Observer by that date (see submission instructions below) until three correct solutions have been found. A £25 book token will be awarded for each of the three correct solutions selected. The book tokens will be sent by post.
How do I submit my solutions to Azed puzzles?
Monthly competition puzzles
Send your solution and your attempt at a prize-winning clue to Azed No. [enter puzzle number], PO Box 518, Oxford OX2 6WX. One attempt at an alternative clue per person only. Please note that your clue should be on a separate piece of paper, securely attached to the solution sheet, and your name and address should be on both. Please also include a brief explanation of your clue. Entries must be postmarked no later than the Saturday following publication of the relevant competition puzzle and must reach Azed no later than 8 days following publication (ie Monday week following publication). Emailed entries will be accepted for overseas submissions only, addressed to jcrowther2000@hotmail.com and must reach Azed by no later than the Saturday following publication of the relevant competition puzzle.
Weekly prize puzzles
Send your entry to Azed No. [enter puzzle number], The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Entries must be postmarked no later than the Saturday following publication of the puzzle and must reach us within 10 days of publication of the puzzle (ie by Wednesday week following publication).
Where do I send queries about Azed puzzles?
Email us at userhelp@theguardian.com if you have any queries about Azed puzzles. Also keep an eye on the monthly Azed Slip (see below) for news, tips and hints.
What is The Azed Slip?
The slip is a monthly news-sheet giving details of the winning clues and other commendable submissions, plus Azed’s comments on the competition and on crosswords in general. It is available on theguardian.com or in printed form on subscription for £16 per year. Cheques for this amount, payable to The Azed Slip, should be sent to The Azed Slip, Coombe Farm, Awbridge, Romsey SO51 OHN. To receive a sample slip, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to this address. Subscriptions may also be paid via online bank transfer to The Crossword Club, a/c no. 31020250, sort code 40-39-05.