What Do You Think?

[CJHorse]

Is it acceptable for people to ask for help with prize crosswords? If they can't solve a clue, don't you think they should refrain from entering? Surely any prize should go to someone who can actually do the crossword rather than someone who can't? Yes - I do appreciate that someone might not actually be intending to enter, but I'm sure you get the point of the question.

[Lie-in King]

It's never bothered me, tbh. Many folk ask so they can further their understanding of cryptic clues; if that means they then enter & win, meh :-)

[Ken4155]

The crossword compilers rely on their own knowledge, the internet, dictionaries, reference books, etc.
Crossword solvers rely on their own knowledge, the internet, dictionaries, reference books, etc.
What's the problem?

[elliemay1]

It doesn't bother me either, always happy to help when I can

[barry1010]

No, puzzlers have always used available resources such as dictionaries, encyclopaedia, specialised crossword solving books and picking the brains of those around them.

[TheFrogman]

Crosswords are intended as entertainment, and if leading a solver to a correct answer or explaining how a clue works can enhance their experience and/or help to improve their solving skills I am all for it.

Personally I never consider a clue solved unless I understand why the answer is what it is. I cannot see how providing an answer to a cryptic clue with no supporting explanation can be of any value to a 'solver' unless they simply need the missing answer in order to enter a competition. But, for both the poster and the person giving an answer without explanation, that's surely between them and their respective consciences.

[highbury57]

It’s a rather joyless attitude, I think. Part of the fun is to help and be helped by others. Are people supposed to offer a disclaimer about not entering a competition? Yes joyless on an otherwise splendid day.

[barry1010]

If I can't get a crossword clue it can keep me awake at hours. I don't want to ask - I want that 'doh' moment when it pops in my head and I could kick myself for not getting it sooner.
In the end I have to ask for help for my sanity.

[Ruthrobin]

As a setter and solver, I am glad to give help to anyone who asks and very grateful for a prompt when I am totally baffled by a clue. Groups of friends solve crosswords together and I am perfectly happy if they then wish to enter a solution - the prizes are rarely worth much except the kudos anyway.

[douglas9401]

Many moons ago we used to sit in the pub of a Saturday solving as a group.

Simpler, cheaper times. :-)

[Neveracrossword]

If I'm stuck, really stuck, on a clue I'm happy to ask for help - sometimes assistance with one or two tricky clues is enough to get me going again. I'd never submit a prize crossword where I've had help, but I know there are plenty of people who do, regularly. Some people need more assistance than others, some people are keen to get prizes.

[naomi24]

Do you never look in a book for an answer, or consult good old Google? I can’t see the difference between doing that and asking someone really.

[DoctorClue]

You'd probably expect that most users of this forum would say "yes, it is acceptable", but I think that I would speak for the vast majority of setters when I say that (like Ruthrobin) I have no problem at all with solvers who are 'stuck' getting assistance from whatever source they choose. The only thing that irritates me slightly is people giving away the theme of a puzzle on a public thread, which is likely to spoil the enjoyment of other solvers who come across it unawares.

[TheWinner]

At one time, I couldn't solve cryptic crosswords, but by being pointed in the right direction from people on AB I now able to enjoy them.

while you're on, did you see my suggestion to one of your earlier questions?

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Arts-and-Literature/Question1640875.html

[Gizzit]

...and, of course,the Guardian still calls the Saturday crossword a "Prize Crossword", but no prize has been offered since the advent of Coronavirus. Similarly with the Observer's Everyman crossword.

Not that it bothers me - the prize was always passing the compilers' challenges, or the groan in solving a particularly cunning clue.

Araucaria was always my favourite. Paul is nearly as good.

[Toorak]

Paul was tougher than usual today. I am usually on his wavelength but it took a bit longer today.

[haras2]

Winning a crossword prize is not quite the same as winning the lottery!
I do the Guardian Prize Xword on a Saturday with the help of friends, family and occasionally AB but I never send it in.
After all it's just for fun...

[Toorak]

I never send it in either - it’s the challenge that I enjoy.

[Llanfair]

Gizzit, that is simply not true. Both Guardian Saturday prize puzzle and Observer Everyman have prizes. I know because I have won in both very recently. The prizes aren't great but are still prizes.

[CJHorse]

Seems like I might me in the minority here. Just like to say that I have no objection to people using reference materials because they are at least involving their brain to some extent. Likewise I'm not bothered by a group of people submitting a joint entry. What I find objectionable is people just asking flat out what the answer is because they can't find it (or be bothered to) themselves. Seems a bit like sitting an exam and copying from the person next to you. I realise it's a small point and might appear petty, but why should you receive any prize or recognition for something you can't actually do?