Charlie Methven

I've been setting cryptic crosswords since 2019. I've used the pseudonym Chameleon for self-published puzzles, some in 1 Across Magazine and a couple in the Guardian's Genius slot. Since 2021 I've set regularly for the Independent as Methuselah.

I've been setting cryptic crosswords since 2019. I've used the pseudonym Chameleon for self-published puzzles, some in 1 Across Magazine and a couple in the Guardian's Genius slot. Since 2021 I've set regularly for the Independent as Methuselah.

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Solving crosswords

Fifteensquared
A blog run by crossword solvers where all Guardian, Independent, Financial Times cryptics are explained and discussed.

i do the i
A blog covering the i's Inquisitor series (as well as the old Independent puzzles that appear in that paper about five years after their original publication).

Big Dave's Crossword Blog
A solving blog mainly covering Telegraph crosswords which also includes a Rookie Corner slot where many solvers including myself have cut their teeth.

Guardian crossword blog
A blog where Guardian crossword editor Alan Connor rounds up news from crosswordland, interviews setters and runs a fortnightly cluing competition.


Setting crosswords

MyCrossword
A fantastic website for setting and solving cryptic crosswords developed by Tom Blackwell who also sets for the Independent as Raider. It hosts a monthly clue-writing competition.

Exet
Another site for crossword construction developed by Viresh Ratnakar, which includes support for constructing 3-D crossword grids.


Crosswords with a difference

1 Across Magazine
A monthly magazine founded by the late great Araucaria. It publishes a selection of creative puzzles by current setters as well as an archive Aracauria every month.

3D Calendar Puzzles
The team at 3D Calendar Puzzles produce a yearly calendar of 12 three-dimensional crosswords in aid of RNIB and BBC Children in Need. Great Christmas presents for the crossword solver in your life (especially if that's you - treat yourself!).

Custom Cryptic Crosswords
Personalised cryptic puzzles set by a bank of crossword setters including the Guardian's Boatman and Soup.


Crosswords elsewhere on the web

Cracking the Cryptic
A popular YouTube channel where Simon Anthony and Mark Goodliffe solve cryptic crosswords and other puzzles, including one of my early Independent puzzles here.

Off-Grid Podcast
A podcast that's "not really about crosswords", but uses them as an excuse to chat about interesting facts.

Twitch streamers including Cryptic Sunday, Liari77, MentalPlayground and Quizzy Dan regularly solve cryptic crosswords online with a little help from their viewers.