Andrew's avatarAndrew

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 28,760 – Crucible

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A quickly-solved but enjoyable puzzle from Crucible today… …helped by an obvious, and eclectic, musical theme. Thanks to Crucible.   Across 9. ORCHESTRA Box in occasional Scottish players (9)CHEST (box) in ORRA (Scots … Read more >>

Guardian 28,755 – Philistine

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My first challenge was to find the puzzle, which wasn’t available on the Guardian website. Luckily I managed to track down the PDF version. I made a slow start initially, but getting the … Read more >>

Azed 2603 – Wrong Number

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Wrong Number is one of the classic specials, dating back at least to Ximemes. You can see the Slip for an early (1968) example here. The last Azed example was as long ago … Read more >>

Guardian 28,723 – Brummie

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A good solid puzzle from Brummie this morning. There are a couple of names that may be unfamiliar to some, but the clues are helpful. Thanks to Brummie. This setter’s puzzles almost always … Read more >>

Azed 2597

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As the Azed series moves into its second half-century, yet another high-quality puzzle. Thanks to Azed   Across 1 BRACKISH Mistake imbibing selection of wine, barely drinkable (8)RACK (where wine may be stored) … Read more >>

Guardian 28,707 – Picaroon

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Another great puzzle from Picaroon. Not easy, with some tricky constructions and devious definitions, but well worth the effort and satisfying to finish. Thanks to Picaroon.   Across 1 DISCOMBOBULATE Throw party, performing … Read more >>