Independent 9,496 by Maize

So far as I can see Maize has appeared twice before. You wouldn’t know that he was fairly new, though, since this is a quite outstanding puzzle. On the hard side but more often than not once the answer became clear I was inwardly congratulating Maize rather than grumbling. There are some marvellous clues and I hope we see plenty more of this setter.

Definitions underlined and in maroon.

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Independent 9495/Silvanus

Unless it’s another setter masquerading under a different pseudonym (which has happened), then welcome to another new compiler in the Indy, Silvanus.  You can’t say that the Ed hasn’t introduced some new talent … Read more >>

Independent on Sunday 1412 Hypnos

An enjoyable IoS crossword that presented no difficulties. Thanks to Hypnos. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Ascot, say, in which new race unfolded around back of paddock (8) NECKWEAR : … Read more >>

Independent 9,491 by Eccles

An enjoyable gentle workout from Eccles today. Apart from my moans about the way that language is evolving — and some would say just live with it — there are a whole lot of pleasant simply-constructed clues here.

Definitions underlined and in maroon.

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Independent 9,486 by Punk

As I said once when posting a remark about a Mudd puzzle in the FT, we don’t appreciate this setter enough. This puzzle contains a whole lot of utterly good, straightforward clues with sensible surfaces and no straining involved. I suppose that if you’re being picky there are rather a lot of full or almost full anagrams, but they’re all clued quite naturally.

Definitions underlined and in maroon.

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