FT

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 23, 2013 I found this puzzle easy with the exception of 5D (REMORTGAGE). It has many good clues from which I pick 10A (TOAST), 12A … Read more >>

Easier than some of Loroso’s puzzles, but still no pushover.  I like the way that Loroso doesn’t go for the obvious definitions or tenses, lateral thinking is required to make progress.   I … Read more >>

Like other Neo puzzles, one that’s not a pushover.  In fact, I needed the Nina up high at the top and down low at the bottom, to help me with the last few.  Thanks, … Read more >>

Carefully crafted clues made for a satisfying solve         Across 1 BUCKAROO cowboy BUCK (money) A (one) ROO sounds like RUE (regret) 5 PAELLA food AL (Capone) LEAP (bound)< (come … Read more >>

A new setter for me, I think, and a very decent puzzle, too. Thank-you, Armonie. Apologies for my brevity… ACROSS 1. INDIFFERENT  In [on good terms] + different [another story] 7. BOP  B [second-rate] + … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword/Nov 18 I am one of those solvers who find it harder to complete a Dante/Rufus than a Loroso or an Alberich (to name two highly regarded FT setters at the … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 16, 2013 I am writing this blog entry on November 26, the day when John Graham, better known to us as Cinephile, died. His passing … Read more >>

This is my first go at an Alberich puzzle,  I found it quite tricky. Alberich seems to have more charades in his wordplay than other setters.  These were cleverly disguised so I wasted … Read more >>

A crossword that’s only slightly more difficult than usual for this setter, and which is also a pangram.  Thanks to Phssthpok.  Definitions are underlined in the clues. [[The pictures at the bottom have unidentified links to … Read more >>

‘Alternative anniversaries’ preceded this puzzle which I have failed to fully explain – over to you out there to fill in the gaps         Across 1 PETER GRIMES work of … Read more >>

I worked my way through this while listening to the Test Match in the wee small hours, so perhaps I didn’t quite give it the attention it deserved. But I found it a … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword/Nov 11 Just like last week for me a puzzle with two halves. The left hand side went in rather smoothly and had a Dante feel to it, the other half … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 9, 2013 This was another moderately easy and very satisfying Mudd. My top clues here are 13A (SWORD), 19A (ROAST) and 4D (LIFE STORY). ACROSS … Read more >>

I enjoyed this, varied and interesting – Aardvark rarely disappoints. A good level of difficulty too.  Thank you Aardvark. Across 1 CASTLES IN THE AIR Unrealistic hopes of seeing rooks flying? (7,2,3,3) cryptic … Read more >>

  An enjoyable and mainly straightforward crossword – just a little delayed by 24down – got the answer from the wordplay, but had to search for confirmation of the (obsolete) synonym for the … Read more >>