Eileen's avatarEileen

I’ve been doing cryptic crosswords since university days, learning how with a group of friends in coffee breaks. The Guardian crossword has been part of my life for most of the time since. Since retiring from teaching (originally Classics and, subsequently, when that was dropped from the curriculum, mostly English and History), having serendipitously stumbled on 15², I discovered that I could get the Indy and FT puzzles online and so I now add those, when they are set by my favourite compilers. Occasionally, I try the Genius and have even submitted a few. (Some years ago, I won a Collins dictionary in the Guardian Prize lottery, which established it as my referred reference.) I don’t take note of solving times: I enjoy taking time savouring the construction and particularly the surface of clues and always feel slightly disappointed when I finish too quickly. My one regret is my complete failure to enthuse any member of my family with cryptic crosswords.

Guardian Prize 25,694 / Araucaria

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I found this a pleasantly enjoyable solve, although over rather quickly for a Saturday. I’ve seen much tougher clues from Araucaria but there are some nicely constructed ones here. Nothing too outrageous but … Read more >>

Guardian 25,697 / Orlando

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On a bright sunny morning, we have a lovely puzzle from Orlando, with a number of ingenious and witty clues and some fine surfaces, together with, for me, anyway, a satisfying penny-dropping moment … Read more >>

Guardian 25,692 / Brummie

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An entertaining puzzle from Brummie, with some cleverly interlinking clues which may perplex non-Brits. My only quibble is that some of the clues are over-long and / or clunky but, overall, it was … Read more >>

Guardian 25,677 / Rufus

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A typical Monday miscellany of cryptic / double definitions, ingenious anagrams and smooth surfaces from Rufus to start our week.  Many thanks to him. [Readers will no doubt be glad to hear this … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 25,670 / Puck

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  Well, I’m certainly not complaining about this Prize puzzle not being challenging enough / being over too quickly! I had all the answers in on Saturday but it took a day or … Read more >>

Guardian 25,674 / Crucible

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I’m really sticking my neck out here but there seems to be some problem about today’s blog. The normal practice would be for Gaufrid to ask for a replacement, or to await offers, … Read more >>

Guardian 25,673 / Brendan

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I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining puzzle from Brendan, with its mini-theme which leads us off in several directions, with a variety of witty cluing, as ever I have a feeling that I’m missing … Read more >>

Guardian 25,668 / Orlando

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I haven’t blogged an Orlando crossword for months, so I was very pleased to see his name on this one – a witty puzzle, with lots of fine surfaces and clever misdirection, as … Read more >>

Guardian 25,663 / Paul

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I found this a bit of a struggle, but richly rewarding – Paul at his best and worthy of a Prize puzzle. There are some real gems here, in a cleverly-woven mini-theme – … Read more >>

Guardian 25,653 / Rufus

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Rather a mixed bag from Rufus today; some of the cryptic definitions are not very cryptic but, apart from that, there are some neat clues, with good story-telling surfaces. Happy Bank Holiday, everyone!  … Read more >>

Guardian 25,650 / Tramp

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Another great puzzle from Tramp, with the hallmarks we have come to recognise and appreciate – witty and ingenious cluing, fine story-telling surfaces and interesting references. Previous Tramp puzzles have had themes based … Read more >>

Guardian 25,644 / Gordius

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The usual Gordius mix, I think. Across 1   INVOICE: simple charade of IN [fashionable – yet again] + VOICE [singing] 5   GOODBYE: anagram [trip] of BODY and EGO: the clue actually indicates that … Read more >>