Everyman 4,029/7 January
As always, when I’m blogging at least, a carefully constructed puzzle which should entertain and in places stretch the less experienced solver and provide a diversion for those who’ve been doing the puzzle … Read more >>
Pierre
Guardian Quiptic 1,259/Hectence
Hectence is the longest-serving member of the Quiptic setting team (debut Monday 13th December 1999), and always produces a pleasing and accessible puzzle in my experience. This was exactly that, although it took … Read more >>
Independent 11,614/Twin
Happy New Year! There, that’s my one exclamation mark for 2024 out of the way, so we’ll move on to a blog of a delightful puzzle from Twin. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,258/December 25
I was expecting a Quiptic to blog this Christmas Morn, but the site is still showing last week’s, so perhaps there isn’t one, or – being the Grauniad – they have just forgotten. … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,765/Filbert
Another thoughtfully constructed puzzle from Filbert. Which is what you always get from this setter. Is there a theme? It being the night before Christmas, I suppose you could count TRUE LOVE, MATTHEW … Read more >>
Everyman 4,025/10 December
Nothing to frighten the horses here, I would say. Which is as it should be. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,256/Chandler
A pleasing and tractable Quiptic from Chandler. This might have been a ‘first puzzle I solved unaided’ experience for someone, somewhere this morning. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as … Read more >>
Independent 11,596/Angel
A puzzle from an infrequent setter for the Indy, which I enjoyed solving and blogging. Her (at least I think it’s her) previous offerings have included themes, but I couldn’t see one here. … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,254/Carpathian
The ever-reliable Carpathian has the Quiptic for us this week. Thoughtfully constructed and just right for the target audience, I would aver. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,761/Brunel
I blogged Brunel’s first Independent puzzle nearly three years ago, and was impressed with it. He has been a regular but infrequent setter for the paper since then, but I was equally impressed … Read more >>
Independent 11,578/Wire
A delightful puzzle from Wire to start the week. Soundly constructed clues and a variety of interesting references. Bravo. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram … Read more >>
Everyman 4,021/12 November
All the usual fun of the fair again with Everyman this week: the rhyming couplets, the initial letters clue, and the self-reference. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,252/Anto
Anto in the Quiptic slot this week, with a puzzle that will most likely, as usual, divide opinion. We’ll see. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram … Read more >>
Independent 11,560/Filbert
A delightful puzzle from Filbert. He is setter whose difficulty level can vary, I find, but this one was tractable, and notable for its fine surface readings throughout. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,757/Hoskins
One for fans of Harry in sex, drugs and alcohol mode. Nearly two-thirds of the clues make reference to one of the trio of pastimes. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad … Read more >>