FT

I found this to be a real variety show of both easy and elusive answers, with some intermittent channelling of Sid James or Frankie Howerd to keep us amused (“titter ye not”). Across … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword on 28 June 2010 Quite a gentle stroll through the park on a Monday morning. ACROSS 1 APPLAUD Cha of APPL (apple minus e or endless fruit) AU (chemical symbol … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of June 26 I found this a slightly difficult Mudd with a couple of sterling anagrams: 1A (SIGMUND FREUD) and 5D (FATBOY SLIM). I also like 10A … Read more >>

I initially thought that many of the clues were on the easy side for a Cinephile but then found that there was a very obscure reference in 26,27 which I wouldn’t have known without the … Read more >>

I thought this was an excellent puzzle, with a lot of inventive wordplay. Across 1 PLUMBAGO P (power) LUMBAGO (backache) 6 MERLIN R[ight], L[eft] (both sides) + I (one) in MEN (people) 9 … Read more >>

An enjoyable puzzle with many nice clues (14D, 17D, for example), but I missed something outstanding (like a memorable &lit) as there usually is in Bradman’s puzzles. Across 1 CROSBY CROS[s] (sorry, reduced) … Read more >>

If it waddles like a Falcon and quacks like a Falcon then it’s probably a Falcon.  An engaging solve, while it lasted, but ultimately a short-lived skirmish. Across 1 BRASS BAND – brass … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword on 21 June 2010 Another painless way to start the week, solving smooth clues and enjoying slick surfaces ACROSS 1 VIVACE V (Roman numeral for 5) IV (ditto for 4) … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of June 19 I found this puzzle considerably more challenging than most Cincinnuses although not quite as difficult as that really tough one he gave us a … Read more >>

The Wednesday puzzle is usually one towards the more difficult end of the FT spectrum but not today (at least for me). A sartorial theme for the across answers which are all items … Read more >>

One of my favourite FT setters, Armonie always has clues with clean, natural surface readings. Maybe a few too many old chestnuts (11 across, 16 across, 18 down have been seen more than … Read more >>

A very enjoyable puzzle liberally sprinkled with anagrams and cryptic definitions.  The clue surfaces are uniformly well-crafted. Specially liked the neat anagram at 8D and the wordplay with ‘bill’ in 23A. Across 1 … Read more >>

The usual quotient of merry mischief, to keep us on our toes.  Plenty of contenders for ‘clue of the day’ status.  I have 15A and 27A still playing out an unresolved Isner vs … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword on 14 June 2010 Mr Smoothie is here again to tease us with his unique brand of slick surfaces. ACROSS 1 BEHIND Van is short for vanguard (in front); dd? … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of June 12 My first impression of this puzzle was that it was too easy. I tore through the clues, the only ones stumping me for more … Read more >>