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 27,835 / Paul

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It’s Paul rounding off the week, with just the right amount of challenge and some witty surfaces, providing several smiles along the way. I enjoyed this – many thanks, Paul. Definitions are underlined in … Read more >>

Guardian 27,828 / Picaroon

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Hurrah! – it’s Picaroon and on top form. We know what to expect from Picaroon and it’s all here. I’ve really run out of things to say about this setter. I just hope … Read more >>

S and B Leicester May 4th

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It’s just a couple of weeks now to the Leicester Sloggers and Betters get-together in Leicester on May 4 [original announcement here],so it’s time to encourage waverers and to give some more details … Read more >>

Guardian 27,798 / Paul

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An entertaining and enjoyable puzzle from Paul, with a few smiles along the way. With my Grammar Police [see yesterday’s Vlad] helmet on, I winced immediately at 1ac but was completely won over … Read more >>

Guardian 27,791 / Nutmeg

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This is my third Nutmeg blog in a row and I’m not complaining. I can’t see a theme this time – just the characteristic blend of well-constructed clues with silky-smooth surfaces and a … Read more >>

Guardian 27,784 / Brendan

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Seeing Brendan’s name on a puzzle that I’m down to blog arouses rather mixed feelings… … there’s the pleasant prospect of an enjoyable solve, combined with the dread of missing the theme, especially … Read more >>