Crossword Masterclasses
Follow in the footsteps of alumni like Angel, Asp/Basilisk/Jack/Serpent, Bluth/Fed/Django, Bucko, Carpathian/Vigo, Daedalus, Hudson/Julius/Knut/Magnus, Karla/Leonidas/Prism/Wire, Navy, Soup and dozens of others …
Compiling puzzles is not the black art that it may seem to be. You need to know some basic techniques, and you need some structure to the way you work. These things can be learned, as long as you have the type of mind that reads “Car Park” but pictures a fish sailing a boat, a carp-ark.
Whether you’re a relative newcomer to setting or nearly ready to have your work published, or if you’re just a keen solver curious to know more about how your favourite puzzles are created, you can look forward to a fun and stimulating eight hours of study with a small group of like-minded people. You’ll receive individual attention and a critique of your work in progress, with suggestions of where to focus next.
In addition to your place in the class itself, you’ll receive over 250 pages of course material and membership of an exclusive online community for news, support and clueing challenges.
Masterclasses take place either online or in person in leafy Sussex at a cost of £150 (online) or £180 (in person). They’re normally split into two four-hour afternoon sessions, giving time for reflection between sessions and questions afterwards. Prices will rise slightly from 1 January 2025, but if you book your place now you can lock in 2024 prices.
There is also an occasional advanced session for previous masterclass graduates, which costs £80.
NEW – Sponsorship Scheme
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, I can offer one place in an online class free of charge. The scheme is open to anyone who would find the cost of the class a barrier, and particularly welcomes applications from groups that are currently under-represented in crosswords (for example women, LGBTQ+, people of colour, disabled people and under 25s).
Please use the form on this page if you’d like to be considered for the place and include a short note to support your application. If possible, please submit your application at least two months before the date of the class you’d like to attend.
Alan Connor’s Blog
Great day … such a complete course
Encyclopaedic … wonderful to see in action
A fascinating afternoon … if only all educators were as thoughtful and thought-provoking
Such a powerful way to learn
Good to meet people who are trying to learn to play the same instrument and get an insight into a maestro’s approach
Absolutely brilliant … I really feel ready to step up a level now
I’m really happy I signed up for this. I definitely feel motivated to keep going on my crossword setting quest
The best birthday present I’ve ever received
My favourite seminar (on any subject) of all time!
Like being invited to actual Hogwarts if you’re interested in magic
Next Dates
Online Masterclass
Saturday 22 and 29 March 2025
Two sessions, 2pm to 6pm
8 hours in total
Whether in person of online, the contents of the class are essentially the same, including individual advice and the same extensive course materials, and there’s plenty of interaction with other participants.
Make sure of your place by booking now, or get in touch using the contact form to make a provisional reservation.
In-Person Masterclass in Sussex
Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July 2025
Two sessions, 2pm to 6pm
8 hours in total
Enjoy a weekend in leafy Sussex! This class will be split into two four-hour afternoon sessions, to give plenty time for reflection between sessions and questions afterwards.
Make sure of your place by booking now, or get in touch using the contact form to make a provisional reservation.
Online Masterclass
Saturday 1 and 8 November 2025
Two sessions, 2pm to 6pm
8 hours in total
Another chance to join me online – make sure of your place by booking now, or get in touch using the contact form to make a provisional reservation.
Masterclass Graduates
Keep in touch with your fellow masterclass alumni by joining the exclusive online community, where you can ask questions, share news and enjoy occasional clueing challenges. Click here to go to there now.
Alan Connor on Knut, Navy, Brockwell, Carpathian and Soup
Dave Gorman in the Telegraph
Julius in the FT
Click below to buy a place on the next class in my online shop – this will guarantee you a place, whether or not the date of the next class has been announced. If the date hasn’t been announced yet, I’ll do my best to give you a chance to influence the choice …
For more information about classes, to apply for a sponsored place or to make a provisional reservation without a final commitment, just drop me a line using this form. If you’re applying for a sponsored place, please use the Message box to write a short statement in support of your application.
Course Content
One-Day Masterclass
- A brief history of wordplay
- Why do people do crosswords?
- Crossword Compiler and other software
- Ximenean and Libertarian traditions
- Issues and pitfalls with common types of wordplay
- Definition and surface reading
- Misdirection
- Two methods of annotation
- Creating a grid from scratch
- How setters filled grids before computers
- Strategies for filling a library grid
- Introduction to themes
- Publication basics
- Your work in progress
- Resources
Advanced Session for Masterclass Graduates
- The differences between creative, interesting and merely competent puzzles
- Unusual types of wordplay
- Alternative software for grid filling
- Advanced themes and gimmicks
- Managing the creative process
- Setting as a profession
- Beyond competence: the crossword as art form
This is a general indication of the material that we cover in each of the sessions. In practice, the content is driven by the interests and experience of the students on the day, and every class is unique.