Some parts of clues, or entire clues, refer to the positioning of letters which, when examined, yield an answer or part of an answer.  These clues are known as “acrostics.”

There are usually two parts to an acrostic clue:

1. Definition
2. Indicator that says that the clue is referring to a sequence or positioning of letters
3. “Fodder” – the words that are to be examined/used for the sequence or positioning

Once you can identify an acrostic indicator, solving the clue is relatively easy, as the letters in the answer are generally present in the “fodder.”

Some Acrostic Indicators

Some indicators instruct the solver to use the first letter, or letters of the fodder:  beginnings (of), initially, leaders (of), at the start, first

Some indicate that some letters should be dropped from the fodder:  not even, even(s) out, lacking odd(s)

Or, some indicates only odd, or even, letters of the fodder should be used: evens, odds, every odd, every even

Some refer to the first and last letter or letters of the fodder: edge(s) of, extremes, first and last, top and bottom

Some clues instruct to remove the first or last letter of the fodder: without head, without first, tails off (of), without initial(ly), no final, missing last or first (of)

Some Simple Examples of Acrostic Clues

Close to night without end (5)

Answer: “nigh” (This clue might also be called a “deletion.”)

Those in front of Pairs Of Idiots Never Touch summit (5)

Answer: “point”

Lacking alternates, shallots can be used as seasoning (4)

Answer: “salt”

Every other Abraham can make a farmyard sound (3)

Answer: “baa”

Bridget loses first and last crown (5)

Answer: “ridge”