1. The Anagram. Most good cryptic clues have two or three separate parts- an indicator, a definition, and one or more linkwords. For instance the clue "Each movement causes pain." can be analysed suchly- the indicator 'movement' suggests an anagram, the definition is 'pain', and the word to be anagrammed is 'each'. The answer to this simple clue is "Ache". OK, try this one on your own 'Arches broken down to a hunt.' Answer: (Six letters)

2. The Pun. The pun is used extensively in crosswords, and can take many forms. Homophones, homonyms, double meanings, or alternative pronunciations. An example could be "A jammed cylinder tastes nice" (Answer "Swiss Roll"). The one I am asking for here is the unexpected and unorthodox use of a word. Solve this if you can- "A wicked thing provides light". Answer: (6 letters, starts with C)

3. Hidden words. These usually use an indicator such as 'hides', 'holds', 'in'. An example is "ConsTANT RUMours hide a show of bad temper". Your turn now- "In truth, the staff acted sensibly". Answer: (Four letters.)

4. Dropping letters. Key words here will be things like 'less', 'beheading', 'endless'. A simple example "Topless mother is something else". Explanation- 'mother' minus the top letter "M" equals 'other'. To make it a bit more testing, the clue could become "Topless mama is something else". Your challenge is to solve "Endless talk about a sporting discipline." Answer: (Six letters)

5. Acronyms. These are not always as obvious as they may sound, but look for words like 'start', 'open', 'leading', etc. This should be the easiest question in this quiz. "Heads of state hospitals in Poland are often at sea". Answer: (Four letters)

6. Another type of clue is known as the 'Container'. Here, one or more words is hidden in another. My turn first.."Brittle old cloth is held in a computer record" leads us to 'F-rag-ILE'. Test yourself on.."Beating a skin complaint into an entity". Answer: (Nine letters)

7. If you see clues that contain words like 'back', 'up', 'rising', it is a fair chance that the clue is a 'reversal'. Answers such as 'drab-bard', 'strap-parts' and 'keep-peek' may occur here. "Send a memo back to a public school". Answer: (Four letters)

8. There are many abbreviations that are considered fair game by crossword makers, including Roman numerals, compass points, weights and measures, and others. Consider this clue.. "Cricket ground where there is a duck, 5 and a 50". In cricket, a 'duck' is a score of no runs, 5=V, and 'a 50' is 'a L'. Putting it all together, we get 'OVaL'. Your question is "Indigene makes sodium tea I have shortened." Answer: (Six letters)

9. Crossword authors are not restricted to the above types of clue- whilst they may appear to have devious, sadistic minds, all clues can be analysed and shown to make sense. The following question is an example- can you interpret.. "014". Answer: (Two words (6,5). Think of spies)

10. A large majority of cryptic clues are a combination of types. Take this as an example "Existence goes back between both sides for a replacement." (Answer 'Refill'). 'Existence' is life, 'goes back' is 'efil', between Right and Left. Simple, eh? See if you can work out this combo question. "Greeting heart of stone Down Under." Answer: (Five letters)

11. OK, I have given you the basics; it is your turn to fly solo. Good luck! "The First Lady lives with a bridge player in an animal's home for a lifetime." Answer: (Seven letters- A number)

12. "Medicine man and royalty coming into port." Answer: (Seven letters.)

13. "New diet not a successful neutraliser." Answer: (Eight letters)

14. "Regurgitated food led astray, an expression of affection." Answer: (Six letters.)

15. A tough one to finish. "Bombasts crazily in front of the swirling mist, then hits the Enter key". Answer: (Nine letters)