Andrew

I started off on Everyman in The Observer, and began solving Azed while I was a student at Cambridge (reading maths) shortly after it started. I do the Guardian puzzle most days and others sporadically. In real life I work as a software developer (still in Cambridge), and for non-crossword recreation play the piano and am involved in amateur theatre.

Guardian 28,954 – Pasquale

by

A typically well-crafted puzzle from Pasquale, with a couple of nice “anagram &lit” clues. Thanks to Pasquale, and also to all readers and commenters: see you in 2023.   Across 1 PRACTICE It … Read more >>

Guardian 28,940 – Tramp

by

A fun puzzle from Tramp, with some ingenious clueing and a couple of his trademark long anagrams. Thanks to Tramp.   Across 1 FATHER FIGURE Leading male with dad bod (6,6)FATHER (dad) + … Read more >>

Guardian 28,933 – Qaos

by

Quite a tricky one this morning, with a couple of clues that I can’t parse to my satisfaction. Both now resolved: see comments. Thanks to Qaos. And of course there is a theme: … Read more >>

Azed 2633

by

A higher-than-usual proportion of unfamiliar words in this one, I think, which tends to increase the difficulty. A satisfying challenge as always – thanks to Azed.   Across 1 U-SHAPED Scottish expert bagging … Read more >>

Guardian 28,924 – Philistine

by

I made rather heavy weather of this, probably not helped by having a head full of cold, but it all seems perfectly reasonable in retrospect. Thanks to Philistine.   Across 1 JUST SO … Read more >>

Guardian 28,917 – Picaroon

by

Picaroon never disappoints, and here’s another great example of his work. There are several well-concealed definitions, which I particularly liked. Thanks to Picaroon (whose alter ego Buccaneer is today’s FT setter).   Across … Read more >>

Guardian 28,910 – Pasquale

by

Quite a tricky one from Pasquale today, with a few obscurities and some tricky parsings. Thanks to Pasquale for the chewy challenge.   Across 9 ELAN VITAL Supposed creative force that could make … Read more >>

Azed 2627

by

A reasonably testing Azed, though sound and clear in retrospect as usual. I have a minor quibble about the definition in 24d, but that might be my ignorance. Thanks to Azed.   Across … Read more >>

Guardian 28,896 – Vulcan

by

Mostly straightforward Monday fare, with one or two trickier moments, and a couple of words that might be unfamiliar to some. Thanks to Vulcan.   Across 1 FLIPPED ONE’S LID Got enraged by … Read more >>

Guardian 28,887 – Philistine

by

I was a little slow to get started on this, but then everything started slipping nicely into place. Thanks to Philistine. We have a mini-theme of words derived from the names of planets, … Read more >>