The Stickler Weekly 42 Solution

We all know there are fundamental rules that govern what goes on in cryptic crosswords and they are necessary in order for a setter to create a solvable and enjoyable challenge. However, wearing a “style” cloak, a setter can choose to include, exclude and tinker with any number of devices, effectively creating their own rules. I don’t see this as necessarily a bad thing as long as what’s used is accessible to the solver, is in the spirit of cryptic crosswords, and is consistent in its use.
Let’s look at an example. A common technique for pinching a letter or letters from a word is to indicate that the centre of it is needed. Indicators that do this are centre, middle, heart etc. This technique is widely accepted, but not everyone uses it the same way. It seems straightforward, so how and why can it vary from crosssword to crossword and even clue to clue? Firstly, there’s natural variation depending on whether the target word used is odd or even in length: the size of its centre will change. Next, some setters extend the indicator’s scope to potentially include an enlarged centre, in fact, it may be any length inside the two ends of the word. The why is simple: the flakier an indicator becomes, the easier it is to use in clues and the easier a setter’s job becomes. So, is this a problem for the solver? Probably not, but as with other similiar letter pinching techniques that may be used without precision, a solver should be able to rely on an indicator to produce a consistent result. I don’t think a setter can justify changing the value of “centre” from crossword to crossword or clue to clue, however, it’s fine for them to establish their own interpretation as long as they stick to it. A solver can then know exactly what’s meant when it’s used.