Independent on Sunday 1405/Alchemi
I found this tough going for an IoS puzzle, in fact tough going, full stop. It’s all fair (although there’s one I can’t parse). When I was writing up the … Read more >>
Pierre
Everyman 3666
Not the easiest Everyman I’ve ever solved or blogged. It’s all pretty sound, if a bit one-dimensional. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 896/Pan
Pan usually sets us an accessible Quiptic, but I have to say that I struggled with this today. Nothing unfair, but if beginners were expecting a gentle one, this probably wasn’t it. … Read more >>
Independent 9441/Daedalus
I didn’t enjoy this one very much, but I think it’s well-known that I have never been on Daedalus’ wavelength. Many will have appreciated it, no doubt, so looking forward to some comments … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 894/Hectence
A tricky little number from Hectence to start the New Year. Apologies for the late blog, but it did take me a while to sort it all out. And I’ve also got the … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1401/Math
Happy New Year! There we go, I’ve used my one exclamation mark for 2017. This was an interesting, and tough, puzzle to start us off in the Sindy for 2017. Sherlock appears to … Read more >>
Independent 9423/Hoskins
Frankly, I thought this was a load of guff. In fact, it was a fine puzzle, but did contain a number of references to farting. I’m surprised the setter eschewed the opportunity … Read more >>
Everyman 3663
If I may do a bit of bah, humbug, I thought this was a bit one-dimensional, with the same devices being used lots of times. But if you like multi-part clues, then this … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 892/Moley
In the main a nicely-pitched Quiptic from Moley, but I do have one or two quibbles. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 890/Anto
Apologies for the late blog. There are several clues that I couldn’t parse, so help is welcome. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = … Read more >>
Independent 9405/Punk
I haven’t had a Punk to blog for ages, so I was pleased to see his name come up in the Monday slot, because I like his puzzles. Cars were the theme … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1398/Hypnos
This must be the most difficult IoS puzzle I’ve solved/blogged for a long time. It took me three goes to get it to lie down, whereas normally I’m done and dusted before getting … Read more >>
Everyman 3659
A tricky little number this morning, I thought. What did you make of it? Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 888/Pan
Not a super-friendly grid today, but a sound enough Quiptic from Pan. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed definitions are … Read more >>
Independent 9387/eXternal
I struggled with this a bit, but after getting a foothold in the various parts of the grid, the rest came with a bit of brainwork. Some good clues, though. … Read more >>