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Financial Times 13927 Armonie

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Tuesday is the start of the week for FT crosswords, and hence usually a warm-up exercise for later in the week.  Thanks Armonie, for this one – some nice surfaces.  Definitions are underlined … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 639 Orlando

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Thanks Orlando for a staple Quiptic – cryptic definitions, double definitions, some cryptic too, and not too complex charades and anagrams.  Elegantly straightforward clues, but still enjoyable.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25554 Paul

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This was an interesting puzzle, thanks Paul.  It was challenging and hard to get into because the gateway clue to the theme, was tricky – complex wordplay and an unusual definition.  Definitions are … Read more >>

Financial Times 13921 Phssthpok

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Phssthpok travels a lot in this puzzle, with references and words from abroad (including Scotland? 🙂 ).  Very nice clueing, with the added bonus of words whose etymology I enjoyed tracking down.  So thank … Read more >>

Financial Times 13915 Neo

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Every so often the FT will start its week (Monday being a prize puzzle, it doesn’t count) with a more-than-usually difficult one eg. a Neo.  So I thought, on seeing the setter and … Read more >>

Financial Times 13909 Dante

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I said in yesterday’s blog that I was going to have the same again today.  How true!  Visiting family and friends, a blog, and then – a crossword in the same style by the same … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25539 Rufus

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Apologies for the later than usual posting.  Thanks Rufus for a  typical gentle start to the week, and to the New Year, the Lunar one, that is.  Today’s the first day of the … Read more >>

Financial Times 13903 Jason

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Another good one from Jason, so thanks Jason.  A bit of concern when I stalled for some time after getting the 2 long ones early on.  However, it finally yielded.  Definitions are underlined … Read more >>

Financial Times Prize 13891 Crux

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This is my first crack at blogging a Prize Puzzle, and an enjoyable one it is.  Not many problems, just slightly in the SE corner; the last one in was 29A, after having … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25525 Tramp

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Sorry for the later posting (long lunch).  This was an enjoyable offering from Tramp (as we have come to expect from him).  Well clued and neat surfaces.  Thanks Tramp.  Definitions are underlined in … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25521 Rufus

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A nice easy puzzle to start the week, and the year with.  Rufus’s trademark cryptic and double definitions, anagrams, and clever surfaces are here, and some possibly nautical references also.  Thanks Rufus.  And … Read more >>

Financial Times 13881 Armonie

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This is an easy-going puzzle to start the FT week with.  A few misdirections, and one definition that I hope I’ve got right.  Thanks Armonie.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  The picture set … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 631 Nutmeg

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‘Tis the time of the year, when crosswords, like other things, get Christmas-y.  This one gives a gentle start to the festivities – no hangover and no indigestion, so to speak!  Thanks Nutmeg, … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 25506 Tramp

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Back to the blogging schedule, and thank you to PeeDee for standing in in my Guardian slots.  I have come back to an immensely enjoyable puzzle today, with lots of pop culture (nothing … Read more >>