YORK SLOGGERS & BETTERS 2026
Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th October 2026
Guardian Prize Prize crossword No 30,086 by Pasquale
It’s the Don’s turn to challenge us this week in the Prize slot.
Listener No 4931 Rising Star by Sage
It seems that this is Sage’s very first Listener compilation. He (or she) has just had one previous B-level crossword in the Magpie.
Financial Times 18,458 by SOLOMON
A tough head scratcher from SOLOMON.
Independent 12,440 / Phi
As is customary on Friday, Phi’s latest puzzle takes us gently into the weekend and all its cruciverbal challenges.
Guardian 30,091: Brummie
Thanks to Brummie for an entertaining puzzle, with some helpful anagrams to get things moving.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1759: Chorus Line by Gaston
Gaston has a CHORUS LINE for us this week – but will be all be singing from the same hymn-sheet?…
Guardian Cryptic 30090 Brendan
Thank you to Brendan. Definitions are underlined in the clues. And sorry for the lateness.
Independent 12439 / Mev
This Thursday’s Independent cryptic is set by Mev.
Financial Times 18,457 by GURNEY
Gurney is todays compiler in the FT.
Independent 12,438 by Nepeta
I believe this is Nepeta’s second Indy puzzle, after a well-regarded debut in April this year. The original puzzle is at https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent/?puzzleDate=20260819.
Financial Times 18,456 by IO
Classic IO.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,089 by Brockwell
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/30089.
Financial Times 18455 Jason
Thank you to Jason. Definitions are underlined in the clues.
Inquisitor 1972: Playgroup by Nudd
Nudd comes and goes, giving us a puzzle roughly every couple of years.