Some of you may have heard that The Independent newspaper has decided to drop the daily cryptic crossword with effect from the end of October 2026. I believe that the last puzzle will appear on October 31st. Incidentally the day before Fifteensquared’s 20th birthday.
YORK SLOGGERS & BETTERS 2026
Important update
Financial Times 18,490 by Neo
Puzzle from the Weekend FT of September 26, 2026
Guardian 30,123: Brummie
Thanks to Brummie for today’s puzzle. Perhaps a touch above the usual Monday difficulty level, but nicely clued as ever.
Independent 12,472 by Lark
A thoroughly enjoyable start to the day from Lark.
Financial Times 18,491 by MOO
MOO kicks off the week…
Financial Times Sunday 164 – News by Julius
The monthly current affairs themed puzzle. Find it to solve online or download and print at ft.com/crossword
Guardian Quiptic 1,401/Pangakupu
A delightful Quiptic from our New Zealand based setter. A solver-friendly grid, clear clueing and some nice twists and turns along the way. I am guessing that this will have hit the spot for many folk this morning.
Independent on Sunday 1,909/Filbert
Another taxing, teasing but tractable puzzle from the Independent on Sunday‘s resident setter.
Everyman 4,170/20 September 2026
I found this quite tough going for an Everyman
Gemelo No. 48
The original puzzle may be found here.
Guardian Quick Cryptic 130 by Budmo
This week’s 11 x 11 crossword from the Guardian intended to teach cryptic crosswords, found here
Independent 12,471 by Wiglaf
It’s us again – we are wondering just how many Indy puzzles we have left to blog.
Guardian Prize Crossword No 30,116 by Tramp
Words in English often have a multiplicity of meanings. Tramp exploits this feature many times over in this puzzle, with a surface misdirection requiring a mental sidestep to arrive at the solution. Solid work.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1764: Superficially by Kruger
Hi all, with apologies for the late appearance of this blog.
The preamble:
26 (2 words), near 44 14 8, the brainchild of 3 1 Across, was SUPERFICIALLY intended to be a showcase for 20, 27, 25 and 22. Every clue except the first and last contains an extra word of at least four letters that must be removed before solving. In clue order, the first, third or fifth letters of these extra words (approx. equal numbers of each) identify the legend to be written under the grid. Chambers (2016) is recommended. 39 is in ODE. One answer is an abbreviation.
Listener No 4936 Swaps by Luxor
Luxor has been compiling for the EV and Inquisitor series since her first lovely EV on Dolly the Sheep (that clone) three years ago, but this, her fifteenth compilation is her first Listener. What a gem!
Independent 12,470 by Phi
We are relishing every puzzle we solve and blog in the Independent at the moment.