NealH

I've been doing crosswords off and on since university back in the 1980s. I used to do the Guardian, but defected to the Independent a year ago. My solving standard is still not what I'd like. I'd love to be able to knock off a crossword in 10 minutes, but find I'm still getting stuck for long periods when the inspiration doesn't quite arrive. I once had a go at compiling crosswords but, after a very rude rejection for the editor of the Telegraph, I didn't bother any further.

Independent 11,440 by Kairos

Mon June 12, 2023 at 9:00 am by NealH

There was an excellent puzzle with lots of very subtle touches.

Independent 11,422 by Xestobium

Mon May 22, 2023 at 9:00 am by NealH

Xestobium (the scientific name for the Death Watch beetle) seems to have made a couple of previous appearances.

Independent 11,404 by Saladin

Mon May 1, 2023 at 9:00 am by NealH

I've not seen Saladin before, so I'm not sure if it's a new compiler or it's a pseudonym used for a special purpose.

Independent 11,386 by Wire

Mon April 10, 2023 at 9:16 am by NealH

An excellent and challenging puzzle.

Independent 11,368 by Vernon

Mon March 20, 2023 at 9:00 am by NealH

This was an entertaining puzzle which had some difficult clues.

Independent 11,350 by Filbert

Mon February 27, 2023 at 9:17 am by NealH

This was quite a bit tougher than normal for a Monday.

Independent 11,332 by Vigo

Mon February 6, 2023 at 9:00 am by NealH

A mostly easy puzzle with a couple of clues that required some thought.

Independent 11,314 by Filbert

Mon January 16, 2023 at 9:00 am by NealH

Another absorbing puzzle from Filbert.

Independent 11,278 by Filbert

Mon December 5, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

Another excellent puzzle from Filbert with some excellent surfaces.

Independent 11,260 by Vernon

Mon November 14, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

I've not seen Vernon on a Monday before, although there have been previous puzzles by the compiler.

Independent 11,242 by Bluth

Mon October 24, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

An enjoyable and absorbing puzzle.

Independent 11,224 by Phi

Mon October 3, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

It's unusual to see Phi on a Monday, so this was a pleasant surprise.

Independent 11,206 by Filbert

Mon September 12, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

Another very enjoyable puzzle from Filbert with a nice mixture of clues.

Independent 11,188 by Italicus

Mon August 22, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

A nice entertaining puzzle with very good surface definitions.

Independent 11,170 by Filbert

Mon August 1, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

I found this a fairly challenging puzzle with a few clues that needed quite a lot of crossing letters before I could solve them.