Independent on Sunday 1,713, Christmas Day 2022/Umpire
I shouldn’t have left such a big glass of sherry out for Père Noël last evening. He’s brought me a puzzle to blog on Christmas Day. What’s occurring? I guess that since the … Read more >>
Pierre
Independent 11,290/Tees
It’s not unknown for Tees to provide the Monday puzzle in the Independent. He is on his usual good form with this offering. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as … Read more >>
Everyman 3,974/11 December
Over 200 puzzles now since our ‘new’ Everyman took over the reins of this long-standing puzzle. I think he produces a cryptic every week that fits the bill – this one was certainly … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,204/Chandler
Chandler made his/her Quiptic debut in March of this year, so s/he’s not the new kid on the block any more. But there are thirteen sleeps till Santa comes, so those – unlike … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,202/Bartland
My first opportunity to blog a Bartland Quiptic. I’m a fan already. I thought this was thoughtfully constructed, with the beginner and improving solver clearly in mind. It conforms to what for me … Read more >>
Independent 11,272/Hoskins
Hoskins has the Monday Indy puzzle for us. What will he provide for us this morning? A straightforward enough puzzle, as it turns out, but we have a theme, which is unusual: there … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,709/Tees
As always, a carefully constructed and entertaining puzzle from Tees. A few UK references that might have held up overseas solvers, and a sprinkling of French knowledge required; but other than that, my … Read more >>
Everyman 3,970/13 November
Another solid puzzle from Everyman, with the usual trademarks: the paired clues, the self-reference and the initial letter cad. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,200/Pasquale
With a Quiptic from Pasquale, you always know that the setter will have constructed the puzzle with the less experienced solver in mind. He has given us this morning a generous grid, concision … Read more >>
Independent 11,254/Filbert
A delightful puzzle from Filbert, with a wide range of subject matter which had me ferreting around in various reference books to find out more. And something unusual for a Monday … … … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,198/Hectence
Always a pleasure when a Hectence turns up in the Quiptic slot on my blogging day. The surface readings are pleasingly constructed in this puzzle, which is a feature of crosswords from this … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,705/Tees
A carefully constructed and pleasing puzzle from Tees for our Sunday morning entertainment. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed … Read more >>
Everyman 3,966/16 October
Another enjoyable offering from Everyman this week, which I think hits the spot for what is intended as an easy-end puzzle. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,196/Matilda
A bright and breezy – and thoroughly approachable – Quiptic from Matilda this week. I wouldn’t be surprised if this fell into the ‘first Quiptic I have solved unaided’ category for someone, somewhere. … Read more >>
Independent 11,236/Gila
A fine Monday offering from Gila to start the Indy crossword week. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed definitions … Read more >>