Update: Multi-hints, new clue writers and more!

In this update, I also mention and show a member feature. We have a few things to add before we go out to everyone with memberships. Thanks to all our early-access members - you're powering all the improvements we make for Minute Cryptic!

[jarsta]

Great update, definitely guilty of bashing the "show letter" button when I didn't get the hint :)

[woaw]

Lol, you said all-seeing prison is the definition, and i was like, "its panopticon!". Its such a niche defintion that it made the puzzle actually much easier than normal.

[drewk]

I got panopticon pretty much immediately. If you know the word it jumps out. Please do more Astle’s clues like this!

[piguyn]

10:50 I know this word! Got the answer immediately, quite proud of that actually.

Love the new updates! Multi-hints were much overdue, and I agree with your comments about bashing the show letter button to get to the video.

Speaking to the harder clues you may be trying out: I would love some sort of system where we have regularly scheduled "harder" clues, whether it be one day a week that becomes the notorious stretch day or a schedule more like NYT's weekly crossword rotation (perhaps with a multi-step clue every Sunday to reflect the larger Sunday crosswords). That way, solvers just starting out can join in for the simpler clues knowing that they're more able to tackle them.

Also interesting to see how the "types" of hints (def, wordplay, fodder vs. hint 1, hint 2, hint 3) could in and of themselves be a sort of meta-hint that wouldn't dock you a "stroke" (if we're extending the golf metaphor). Seeing the former would indicate that the clue is not a double-def, for example, while seeing the latter could indicate either a double def as shown in the example or another unusual clue type. Not sure if there's a "solution" to this per se (unless clicking on show hints forces you to click on one of the options, which I don't love the idea of), but it could be something to consider.

[willjohnsnow]

Wow Angas, incredible that you're now full time with MC - congrats! 🎉 Well done for being bold and trying something, it must have been so easy to fear the jump and keep it a side gig. The brilliance of MC made me try my hand at vibe coding my own daily game - it was an experience, but I managed to get an initial test version live. Wishing you all the best with MC!

[craigmonty]

This is such a good addition. I've been guilty in the past of being completely stuck and bashing that letter button to get to the end. Really looking forward to using these new hints next time I get stuck.

I would say though that the reason I've loved Minute Cryptic so much is that it has been accessible and its the only Cryptic content I've found that is truly beginner friendly. While the introduction of some trickier clues sounds nice to me now, it would have scared me off at the beginning. Just something to keep in mind when it comes to attracting new people.

[robotmasterfezman]

I solved the David clue before you said the answer!!! Bring on his clues, I’m ready!!!!

[thechildofgodalmighty]

I'll confess, there are a bunch of clues where if I didn't understand the wordplay, I would bash down the show letters button. I love this hint upgrade, where not only could we learn what the definition is, but also have a guide to what the wordplay is (by getting a hint of the indicator or the fodder). So yeah! Great update Angas!

[Owlbear]

This is a great idea! Cause generally I can ID which one is the definition, so I see that assist as a ‘waste’, so I tend to use the letters if I’m stuck. The indicator aspect is what I’m trying to build my knowledge on.

[jessicalockhart]

This is a great solution for featuring a variety of difficulty levels without leaving beginners behind.

[Scamper]

Love this change! Great way to encourage problem-solving and out-the-box thinking

[dinostorion]

Haha I got panopticon immediately but criminal is such a criminal indicator!!

[catswambo]

Thank you for the new feature. Only recently started. Hope the harder clues won't dishearten me. Really enjoying the process of learning to unlock the cryptic in my retirement years. Old dog new tricks here.

[argadventurer]

This is so helpful. I really want to get more development in my skills so more depth will be welcome. Better hints is just what I need! Thanks

[interactivateoz]

This is a great update. I'm enjoying being part of the minute cryptic community. I never tackled cryptic crosswords in the past - i didn't know anyone who did them so I had no "on ramp" to what they are all about. It's been great fun learning

[tedzed]

Very excited about harder clues. I've managed to use what I've learned here to get through the Guardian's super-beginner level Quick Cryptic in a Saturday afternoon, but their Quiptic, that's supposed to be for "beginners and people in a hurry" completely stumps me every week. I'm ready to level up my knowledge!

[chilledpiplup]

Unfortunately I did know the answer to "all seeing prison" straight away 😅

[grahambarrett]

Great update. Really enjoying the daily challenge. Good luck growing the site

[dylanmawby]

Chose being a member of Minute Cryptic over the NYT and I have not regretted it

[Daniel]

Very glad to see multi-hints! Also, very excited that I already knew the word "panopticon"