FT

An anniversary puzzle from Gaff. The problem with this sort of puzzle is that though the theme is topical and the result elegant half the grid is a write-in.  I did enjoy this, … Read more >>

Some ingenious clues here         Across 1 STRAIGHT MAN feed STRAIGHT (regular) MAN (soldier) 7 MAP plan A in MP (politician) 9 KNIGHT chessman – sounds like NIGHT (dark) 10 … Read more >>

I’m not used to being presented with unusual challenges by Thursday’s FT, but this nicely-worked puzzle from Gozo proved to be just that. All of the Across clues in the grid are foreign … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword/Aug 12 A typical Dante crossword that was, of course, no match for the two FT puzzles that followed (Redshank, Loroso) as far as difficulty is concerned. Yet, it took me … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 10, 2013 I found this Mudd puzzle moderately easy and very good. My favourite clues are 10A (FACE CARD) and the brilliant 17D (FORTY-FIVE). ACROSS … Read more >>

Typically tough crossword from Monk, obscure words and devious constructions.  There are still two solutions I cannot fathom, so any help appreciated. We have to sets of anagrams in this puzzle: BEAST, ABETS,BATES,BASTE … Read more >>

A not-too-difficult one from Jason, with some nice misdirections.  Thanks to Jason.  Definitions are underlined in the clues. [[The pictures at the bottom have unidentified links to the puzzle. Please enclose any comments … Read more >>

Tricky fare from The Don – 18a and 23d took some unravelling         Across 1 IMPACTED made impression IMP (troublemaker) ACTED (took initiative) 6 SCORCH superficial damage ORC (monster) in … Read more >>

A welcome return for our friend Orense, who always does a sound job on a Thursday. Having said that, however, the structure of this morning’s puzzle (with its 4 x 15-letter word perimeter), … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword/Aug 5 Crux has clearly regained his Monday spot given his recent output.  I didn’t have too much trouble solving this crossword (apart from what happened around 4d/10ac) but the fact … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 3, 2013 I found this to be a fairly easy puzzle and one of Cinephile’s best. I count six noteworthy clues: 13A (APPLECART), 25A (ATLANTA), … Read more >>

Loroso was on fine form when he set this one, every clue a gem.  I nominate all the across clues for special mention, though each of the down clues is equally good.  Thank you Loroso! … Read more >>

This was no pushover by any means, and I really enjoyed the clues which had good surface readings.  Thanks to Redshank.  Definitions are underlined in the clues. [[The pictures at the bottom have … Read more >>

Some unresolved details at 3d and 5d and 7a/27a have same solution         Across 1 DRAW STUMPS end play STUMP (defeat) in DRAWS (games without winners) 7 CONE figure [bato]N … Read more >>