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Hey all, I’ve been thinking about this for a while — websites like crosswordsolver.org and other auto-solver tools can instantly suggest answers based on clue patterns. While they’re super helpful when you're stuck, do you think they’re damaging the traditional challenge of solving crosswords manually?

Some people say it’s just another tool, like using a dictionary, while others believe it ruins the fun and growth that comes from struggling with clues. I'm curious do you personally feel these solver websites enhance the crossword experience or make it too easy?

Also, does anyone know if crossword creators/designers consider these tools when making puzzles nowadays?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Hi Samora,
It’s an interesting question. A few pieces to unpack. First, I don’t think this site and others simply give away answers. Such sites do exist (Danword etc) and it would be a personal choice to use them, but there would be little satisfaction in using them unless you really have no other option.

Then there are solving tools such as anagram solvers and missing letter finders (here I’m thinking of OneLook and AnagramSolver etc). Again it’s a personal choice, but sometimes an anagram solver is quick and easy and the tough bit might have been figuring out the fodder in the first place.

To my mind the greatest value that sites like this one bring is the community forum aspect. Being able to meet with like minded people, who can educate and encourage others without necessarily giving away answers. I started solving (and in a very minor way setting) five years ago and wouldn’t have progressed very far at all without the help of the experienced folk here and elsewhere.

Finally, you mention whether setters give consideration to the tools available. I would say very much, yes they do. Quinapalus and Crossword Compiler (as examples) are very powerful tools that setters have at their disposal and they know very well that solvers have more than just Scrabble tiles on the kitchen table (not that there’s anything wrong with that approach either!).

I don’t know if that fully addresses the question, but it will be interesting to hear what others say.
J.

Personally I would never use a device to solve Guardian cryptic or similar.
But I always use them for Listener and Inquisitor, my two regulars. Most of those words are not in common usage!
Colleagues often see what I am doing, and say oh you are cheating on your crossword! But I see it as essential.

It's a personal pastime, so a personal choice how people go about solving. Me using OneLook and an anagram solver isn't spoiling other users' solving experience.

As mentioned, it's a pastime. If I get completely stuck and a hint gets me going so I can enjoy the rest of a crossword rather than wait a week or two to just look at a completed solution, I'm happy with that for a weekly crossword.

OTOH I will nibble away at the Magpie crosswords for a month or more. I don't know if there are any hints out there and I don't look. I occasionally submit if I complete all 5 non-numerics.

Aids like anagrammers, Brewer's, Bradford's etc and an electronic Chambers + Google are pretty much essential.

Entirely agree ChrisE. I enjoy a weekly attempt at the Listener but am certainly not in the first division and often fail to solve it. I am not competing with others in that activity and there is nothing at stake - so surely it's up to me how I go about it.

At 75, I use crosswords to keep my mind awake. Most of the time I am not in competition with any-one but myself so, why not use all the help available? Word wizard is an indispensable friend but, I still need to know what to input to find my anagram or which word to choose from the list presented. I have used danword on occasion but that, thankfully, is not available when a prize is offered so. no "cheating" there.

Being virtually housebound and, since the death of my partner many years ago, on my own, this forum and the comments section of the Grauniad are my contact with the outside world. My contributions, as many will verify, are fiddled with mistakes so, GOK what they would be like without the stimulation crosswords provide.

I have said before, but will repeat:

There are two types of knowledge, knowing the answer and knowing where to find the answer.

To answer one of your questions directly Samora, the use of anagram solvers and word pattern type tools enhance the solving experience of thematic crosswords for me.

I would hate to think how much longer, if at all, it would take to solve some of these without them and I would miss out on the various PDMs and mini endorphin hits as a result and also miss out on being able to admire some of the incredible compositions from various setters

I doubt many setters worry too much about how their puzzles are solved or try to make them app-proof.

I do the Listener and just use a paper copy of Chambers. Online anagram solvers are rarely any help and word finders often don't list uncommon words. The beauty of this Listener forum is that contributors share experiences rather than answers, and the odd hint or comment can give you a new angle on something you're stuck with.
For me, the elegance of the clues, the construction and the endgame are what make a satisfying puzzle. The best puzzles require the least extraneous help.