Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th October 2026
Private Eye (Cyclops / 836) Crass Stupidity
For personal reasons I had to try to solve this in a hurry, and nearly succeeded… special thanks to mc_rapper67 for some support!
Guardian Saturday Prize Crossword 30,080 by Vlad (8 August 2026)
After a tough workout with an Enigmatist last time out, a relatively gentle impaling by Vlad…
Financial Times 18,452 by BOBCAT
A tough one from BOBCAT. Apologies for the late blog as I could only get to my comp now.
Listener 4930 Rearrangement by Ploy
Ploy has been setting Listener crosswords since 2003 but it is his lovely ‘Right and Left ‘of just ten years ago that is the most memorable for me.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,085 by Pangakupu
Thanks Pangakupu for the puzzle, I especially liked 1ac, 16ac, 23ac, and 16dn.
Independent 12434 / Phi
The Independent Friday slot is filled in usual fashion by Phi.
Independent 12,433 by Bluebird
Bluebird is a fairly regular setter in the Indy but I don’t think I’ve blogged him before. The original puzzle is at https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent/?puzzleDate=20260813
Guardian 30,084: Qaos
Thanks to Qaos for another fun puzzle. I wonder if there’s any special going on…
Financial Times 18,451 by ARRIETTY
A new setter?
Enigmatic Variations No. 1758 – 1, 2,3… Go! by Charybdis
“Some people (2 words) haven’t a clue and should take the advice of the also-clueless 24 (“1, 2, 3… GO!”), leaving real words in the final grid. 24 attributed this advice (regarding the appropriately numbered receptacles in the grid) to 7 Down’s Greek tutee. Wordplay in most clues leads to a redundant letter revealing unwanted consequences (selected from a variety of translations). Earliest consequences (3 words, 15 cells) must be highlighted. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Independent 12,432 by Eccles
Eccles is back in his ‘regular ‘ Wednesday slot this week
Financial Times 18,450 by MONK
Thanks to Monk for the fun this morning.
Independent 12,431 / Atrica
Atrica has provided our cruciverbal entertainment today on what is theme day.