This Observer barred puzzle was published on the first Sunday of November, so under the new arrangements it is set by Azed as a plain competition offering.
Azed
Azed No. 2,771 plain – competition puzzle
A slightly odd grid in that there are the usual straddling 12-letter answers and sixteen 4-letter ones. But this apart we have a perfectly pleasant crossword with many of the usual nice clues. Sometimes Azed has just relied for difficulty on strange words, it being fairly obvious what is happening in the wordplay, but he is also as one would expect clever from time to time.
Definitions underlined, in crimson. Anagrams indicated *(like this) or (like this)*.
Azed No. 2,770 – plain
An accessible Azed puzzle.
Azed No. 2,769 Plain – Competition Puzzle
As much as I have enjoyed the fresh challenge of the new Gemelo puzzles, I felt as though I was back on more familiar ground with this Azed.
Azed No. 2,768 plain – competition puzzle
This is the first Azed competition puzzle for which entries may be submitted electronically from within the UK.
Azed 2767
We have a plain Azed puzzle this week. There is no competition and there are no controversial grid entries that I can see.
Observer puzzles – the future
It appears that The Observer is planning to enable digital submission to their crossword competitions from 6th July for both Azed and Everyman.
Azed No. 2,766 – plain
This grid seemed impenetrable until I managed to get a few crossers established . . .
Azed No. 2,765 – plain
A plain puzzle from Azed.
Azed 2764
A reasonably quick solve for me on this one, though I raised an eyebrow at the (unnecessary) use of an outdated derogatory term at 4d. Still, thanks to Azed.
Azed No. 2,763 plain – competition puzzle
The usual pleasant crossword from Azed. I have one or two slight questions about things but no doubt they will be explained.
Definitions in italics, underlined in crimson. Anagram indicators in italics.
Azed postal address
Comment from Bridgesong on his latest Azed blog:
Azed No. 2,762 – plain
Rather more than the usual quota of four letter words made this week’s plain puzzle more challenging than some (although it was particularly easy in another way…)
Azed 2761
A plain crossword from Azed this week.
Azed No. 2,760 – Plain
This week’s Azed seemed mostly straightforward . . .