FT

Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of January 9, 2021 I found this a good challenge with two terms that were new to me (2dn, LLANERO and 22ac, EASY MEAT), another with a … Read more >>

A gentle week-day warm-up. Not the stiffest test – actually pretty much a write-in – but no complaints, all solidly clued and with the odd, 'Oh, obviously' to keep interest alive. Thanks to … Read more >>

A rare sighting of a Monday morning GURNEY… Quite a mixed bag today, with the excellent 9a (great anagram and surface) and 16a (very clever, though I’ve a suspicion I’ve seen it before), … Read more >>

An entertaining treat from GOLIATH this Friday. Thanks G. FF: 9 DD: 8 ACROSS 1 MALICE Michael is heartless, twisted and evil (6)   [ MIChAEL (without H – heartless ) ]* – … Read more >>

A puzzle for those who like a bit of general knowledge thrown in. For solvers like me who enjoy a bit of general knowledge in their crosswords, this was a great puzzle. None … Read more >>

Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of January 2, 2021 I found this Mudd fairly easy and nicely enjoyable.  My favourite clues are 21ac (BALDERDASH) which taught me some Norse mythology, 24ac (OLIVER), … Read more >>

The scheduled blogger hasn’t been able to be with us today, for one reason or another, so here is an analysis of the clues, with no further commentary from me. Across 1 A … Read more >>

Thank you Basilisk. Some nice surfaces here. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1. Great role identified by diminutive actor? (6) HAMLET : HAM(an overacting actor) – LET(a suffix signifying a small/diminutive … Read more >>

Hamilton’s distinctive style is often commented on as being a bit cavalier with “the rules”. Despite the odd questionable surface, I very much enjoyed this puzzle. There were a few write-ins but that’s … Read more >>

Happy New Year 2021 folks. My first blog for 2021 and a solid challenge from BRADMAN to get things going, thanks to whom for this intellectual treat. There may be some improvements possible … Read more >>

A very good crossword that, with a little editing, could have made even better This crossword from Redshank had some brilliant clues in it – I particularly liked 14ac, 25 ac, 27ac and … Read more >>

Non-prize Christmas Crossword published in the FT of December 23, 2020 As usual for Christmas, we have a crossword from Gozo with added dimensions of puzzling.  Let us start with the completed grid … Read more >>

A very nice puzzle. Traditional in style but not not old-fashioned in delivery. Thank you Leonidas. ACROSS 1 PTERODACTYLS Early birds in tight lycra spotted (12) anagram (tight, drunk) of LYCRA SPOTTED – … Read more >>

A themed Tuesday offering. Straightforward enough midweek fare, enlivened by a veritable shoal of themed solutions all over the grid. More puns from posters welcome. Thanks to Orense. ACROSS 1 FLOUNDER Struggle helplessly … Read more >>