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 28,723 – 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 >>

Guardian 28,693 – Brummie

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A couple of slightly obscure words in this puzzle, but helpfully clued so they didn’t prevent me getting through it quite quickly. Thanks to Brummie. It helped that I spotted the theme early … Read more >>

Guardian 28,684 – Picaroon

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As Storm Eunice makes me worry about the state of my fences (we’re promised 75mph winds here today), an enjoyable diversion from Picaroon. Not too difficult, but beautifully constructed as always. Thanks to … Read more >>

Azed 2591 – Carte Blanche

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Azed’s Carte Blanche puzzles come around about once a year; they give the solver an extra challenge without (I assume) giving the setter the kind of extra difficulties that are presented by other … Read more >>

Guardian 28,677 – Paul

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I made a promising start on my first pass through the clues, but rather struggled to finish it offl as is often the case, it all looks reasonably straightforward in retrospect. The subject … Read more >>

Guardian 28,670 – Tramp

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I found this a bit easier than usual for a Tramp, despite some well-concealed definitions and quite intricate constructions, including a number of anagrams where the fodder included some extra letters. Very enjoyable … Read more >>

Guardian 28,663 – Fed

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I liked this a lot – very ingenious clueing, with some great misdirection. Thanks to Fed.   Across 1 STRATA Jump across, initially moving right to left, to arrive at different levels (6)START … Read more >>