Wednesday July 8th at 2.10pm on Channel 4, I will be occupying the challenger’s chair on Countdown.
YORK SLOGGERS & BETTERS 2026
Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th October 2026
Guardian Quick Cryptic 118 by Carpathian
This week’s 11 x 11 crossword from the Guardian intended to teach cryptic crosswords, found here
Independent 12,399 by Bluebird
Another Saturday when Bluebird has coincided with my blogging duty, and that’s no bad thing.
Private Eye ( Cyclops /833 ) Potential Nerd
A typical Eye crossword again this time with “suitable” clues.
Guardian Prize 30044 / Brendan
The Guardian Prize puzzle for this week is set by Brendan.
Listener 4924: Two in One III by Sabre
Sabre needs no introduction. A top-class puzzle is to be expected – but get out your survival kit…
Financial Times 18,416 by GUY
A toughie from GUY this Friday.
Guardian 30,049 / Brummie
Brummie rounds off the week with, for me, a very satisfying puzzle.
Independent 12,398 by Phi
It’s Phi-day again!
Independent 12,397 / Methuselah
Methuselah has provided today’s teaser. It was back in 2024 that it last fell to me to blog a puzzle by this setter.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,048 by Paul
Thanks to Paul for the puzzle, with several that took a little while to work out – my favourites were 19ac, 24ac, and 5dn.
Financial Times 18,415 by JASON
Jason is this morning’s setter.
Guardian 30,047: Fed
A very enjoyable and ingenious puzzle from Fed. Most of it went in pretty smoothly, though for some reason the NW corner help me up at the end. Thanks to Fed for the entertainment.
Independent 12396 / Eccles
Eccles makes his usual appearance, two weeks after his previous puzzle was published.