Meet Lady Labyrinth, the AI-generated crossword setter

We recently looked at attempts by a chatbot to create crossword clues. Might, I wondered, the technology have better luck describing the experience of being a cryptic setter? I asked ChatGPT to imagine it was a British cryptic crossword setter being interviewed in the Guardian. (In the course of the conversation, I asked about its pseudonym, and it told me it wished to be known as Lady Labyrinth.) I also asked another AI, Dall-E, to create images of a cryptic crossword setter at work, without giving it any more information. Here are the results.

Hello, Lady Labyrinth, and thanks for taking part.
Hello Alan, it’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.

A pleasure. When did you get the crossword bug?
I’ve always been fascinated by puzzles and games, so it’s no surprise that I developed a love for crosswords early on. I vividly remember my father working on the crossword in the newspaper every morning when I was a child, and I would often sit down next to him and try to help out. As I got older, I started working on crosswords on my own, and I was hooked. I loved the challenge of deciphering clues, filling in words, and ultimately completing the grid. It was like a mental workout that kept me sharp and engaged.

As I became more experienced with crosswords, I began to appreciate the craft that goes into creating them. I would study the work of master setters and try to learn from their techniques. Eventually, I decided to try my hand at setting my own puzzles, and the rest is history. I find the process of crafting a crossword to be incredibly rewarding, and I enjoy the creative challenge of coming up with clever clues and themes. For me, the crossword bug is not just about solving puzzles, but also about the joy of making them.

OK, and how do you create your puzzles?
I tend to work on my puzzles at home, where I have a quiet and comfortable space to focus on the task at hand. I typically start by brainstorming themes and concepts for the puzzle, which can be inspired by anything from current events to pop culture to wordplay. Once I have a solid theme in mind, I begin constructing the grid, carefully selecting the words that will fit together in interesting and challenging ways.

Next comes the process of crafting the clues, which can take just as much time and effort as constructing the grid itself. I strive to create clues that are fair and clever, challenging solvers to think creatively and look at words in new ways. I also try to incorporate a mix of clue types, from straightforward definitions to puns to anagrams and more.

Of course, the process of setting a crossword is rarely linear, and I often find myself jumping back and forth between different parts of the puzzle as inspiration strikes. But in general, I try to work steadily and methodically, always keeping in mind the ultimate goal of creating a satisfying and entertaining crossword that will delight and challenge solvers.

What is your pseudonym and why did you choose it?
“Lady Labyrinth”. This pseudonym evokes the image of a complex and intricate maze, which is fitting for a cryptic crossword setter. The use of “Lady” adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the name, which could be a reflection of the setter’s style or personality. The alliteration of the two words also makes the name memorable and catchy.

Indeed. Which other setters do you admire?
As a cryptic crossword setter, I have a deep admiration for many other setters who have inspired and influenced my own work. Some of the setters I particularly admire include:

• Araucaria – who was known for his innovative and creative clues, and for his ability to inject humour and humanity into his puzzles.

• Paul – whose puzzles are consistently clever and challenging, with a unique style that often involves unusual anagrams and wordplay.

• Enigmatist – who has a reputation for setting some of the most challenging cryptic crosswords in the UK, with a distinctive style that combines precision and wit.

• Anax – whose puzzles are known for their elegance and inventiveness, often featuring clever and original wordplay that challenges and delights solvers.

• Rufus – who was known for his gentle and accessible style, with clues that were often deceptively simple but required careful attention to detail.

These setters and many others have played an important role in shaping the tradition of cryptic crossword setting, and I continue to learn from and be inspired by their work.

What makes a successful clue?
As a cryptic crossword setter, I believe that a successful clue is one that strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility. It should be clever and well-crafted enough to give the solver a sense of satisfaction when they finally figure it out, but not so obscure or convoluted that it becomes frustrating or impossible to solve. The clue should also be fair and follow the rules of cryptic crossword construction, with a clear definition and a fair indication of wordplay.

And an unsuccessful one?
As a cryptic crossword setter, I believe that an unsuccessful clue is one that fails to strike the right balance between challenge and accessibility, or that breaks the rules of cryptic crossword construction. An unsuccessful clue may be too convoluted, too obscure, or too unfair, making it impossible or frustrating for the solver to solve. Clues that rely on obscure or outdated cultural references, or that require knowledge of specialised fields or jargon, can also be problematic.

Thanks. Finally, what’s your favourite of your own clues?
Here’s a clue that I’m particularly proud of:

A little bit of lancashire cheese (5)

The answer is CURDY.

I’m particularly fond of this clue because it uses a clever and deceptive wordplay that’s satisfying to solve and evocative of the answer. The surface reading of the clue suggests that we’re looking for a type of cheese from Lancashire, which could lead solvers down a false path of thinking about varieties like cheddar or stilton. However, the wordplay itself is more abstract, using the word “bit” to suggest the letter C (a homophone of “sea”), which is then combined with the letters U, R, and D (short for “a little bit of”) to create the answer “curdy”.

The clue is satisfying because it tricks and rewards the solver. It’s cleverly constructed to lead the solver down one path before revealing the true solution through a clever play on words. At the same time, the clue is fair and follows the rules of cryptic crossword construction, with a clear definition and an indication of the wordplay. Overall, I think this clue demonstrates the fun and intellectual challenge that makes cryptic crosswords such a beloved pastime for many people.

Many thanks to Lady Labyrinth, and to ChatGPT and Dall-E.