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 28,684 – 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 >>

Guardian 28,656 – Vulcan

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Lots of helpful anagrams and other straightforward constructions here (and not a single cryptic definition), making a puzzle that would be good for “beginners and those in a hurry”, to borrow the Quiptic’s … Read more >>

Guardian 28,647 – Vlad

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The impaler is in a fairly gentle mood today: a couple of entries may be unfamiliar, but are helpfully clued. Thanks to Vlad.   Across 1 DEAN OF FACULTY Restructure due — can’t lay … Read more >>

Azed 2585

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The first Azed after the Christmas special is traditionally supposed a bit gentler than usual, but that wasn’t my experience with this one. All sorted in the end, though. Thanks to Azed, and … Read more >>

Guardian 28,640 – Boatman

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A tricky puzzle from Boatman today, though maybe not reaching the level of one self-describing answer. There’s an obvious theme of punctuation marks, found in many of the clues and some of the … Read more >>

Guardian 28,634 – Fed

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Fed has now appeared four times in the Guardian: he’s also seen – rather more frequently – in the Independent as Bluth. I found this quite tricky in places, but with some easy … Read more >>

Guardian 28,627 – Pan

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A brief but enjoyable solve, suitable for those who like to be eased gently into their crosswording week, Thanks to Pan.   Across 1 LIMBURGER Cheese and fruit mostly served with minced beef … Read more >>

Guardian 28,618 – Anto

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I’ll never be Anto’s greatest fan, but this was competently done, albeit with a few iffy moments, and I’m irritated by the misspelling at 26a. Thanks to Anto.   Across 1 FADDISH Trendy … Read more >>

Guardian 28,611 – Qaos

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Not too much trouble for me from Qaos today, though my lack of sporting knowledge makes me uncertain of one parsing. Today’s theme is of things found in a bathroom, with the impressively … Read more >>