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 10,578 by Harold

Mon September 7, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

A challenging puzzle from newish compiler Harold. This wasn't entirely my cup of tea with quite a lot of slightly dodgy CDs and DDs but there were some interesting clues that required quite … Read more >>

Independent 10,560 by Tees

Mon August 17, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

Some good fun-packed clues from Tees. 21 and 16 stood out for me as excellent. ACROSS 9/10 GARDENING LEAVE Cruelly avenging leader in suspension from job (9,5) (Avenging leader)* 11 DROVE Resistance … Read more >>

Independent 10,542 by Tees

Mon July 27, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

I found this quite hard going with the longer clues proving to be quite a struggle. 1 across was particularly difficult with lots of short words, each of which had numerous possibilities. There … Read more >>

Independent 10,524 by Vigo

Mon July 6, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

A gentle Monday cryptic. I had a couple of quibbles, which I've detailed in the blog. There were a few old chestnuts like orchestra but also some good surface readings. 9 has to … Read more >>

Independent 10,506 by Harold

Mon June 15, 2020 at 9:31 amMon June 15, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

I've not come across Harold before and I found this a strange mixture of very easy clues and clues that I really struggled with. 3D was one of those annoying CD type clues … Read more >>

Independent 10,488 by Tees

Mon May 25, 2020 at 7:41 pmMon May 25, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

An enjoyable and interesting puzzle from Tees.

Independent 10,470 by Silvanus

Mon May 4, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

I found this a mixture of easy and tricky clues.

Independent 10,452 by Bluth

Mon April 13, 2020 at 10:13 amMon April 13, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

I haven’t seen Bluth before and found this an enjoyable puzzle.

Independent 10,434 by Tees

Mon March 23, 2020 at 9:00 am by NealH

I imagine a lot of us will have more time for crosswords over the next few weeks (although it will probably need to be online versions like the Independent). This was a typically sparky offering from Tees.