Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th October 2026
Guardian cryptic Bank Holiday special by Maskarade
The now traditional Guardian Bank Holiday jumbo puzzle by Maskarade. For some reason, the Guardian chose to print the solution (upside down) immediately below the puzzle in the printed paper. Those solving via the website had to click on a separate link to access the solution. Those who subscribe to the Guardian app did not get offered this puzzle at all! Because there is no prize, and because the solution is immediately available, we have decided to publish this blog early on Monday.
Financial Times 18,466 by Mudd
Puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 29, 2026
Financial Times Sunday 160 – News by Neo
The monthly News puzzle, with clues and solutions relating to the topics and events of August. Find it to solve online or download and print at ft.com/crossword
Everyman 4,166/23 August 2026
Another solid Everyman, with everything in its proper place.
Guardian Quiptic 1,397/Harpo
Harpo is on the oche throwing some gentle Quiptic darts at us this morning. This one went in steadily for me: some well-positioned anagrams to give me a foothold in the grid, then some cryptic definitions to wrestle with to get me over the line.
Independent on Sunday 1,905/Filbert
Another beautifully constructed puzzle from Filbert. I am a big fan of scribble paper when solving, because I often need to see things written down to work them out. My recycling bin is always that bit fuller after I’ve wrestled a Filbert offering into submission.
Gemelo 45
Gemelo gives us a puzzle where the theme is clearly expressed in the clues There was a premble with this puzzle. Gemelo told us that ever since buying their greatest hits as a … Read more >>
Blog for Guardian Jumbo of Saturday 29th August
The Guardian, in its wisdom, has printed the solution to today’s Maskarade Jumbo immediately below the actual puzzle, in the printed edition of the newspaper and in the Guardian Editions App.
Independent 12,447 by Methuselah
A grid by Methuselah this morning.
Guardian Quick Cryptic 126 by Chandler
This week’s 11 x 11 crossword from the Guardian intended to teach cryptic crosswords, found here
Guardian Prize 30092 / Paul
Paul is a prolific setter of Guardian puzzles, both standard daily and Saturday Prizes
Listener No 4932 Points of View by Porlock
This seems to be only Porlock’s second Listener crossword, though we have seen fifteen of his in the Magpie.
Guardian Cryptic 30097 Yank
Thank you to Yank. Definitions are underlined in the clues.
Independent 12,446 by Phi
It’s the end of the week and it’s no surprise we have a Phi puzzle to blog.
Financial Times 18,464 by NEO
A nice variety of clues from Neo today