FT

It is not often that I would describe a Cinephile puzzle as pedestrian but I’m afraid this one did nothing for me, possibly because the surface of some of the clues made little, … Read more >>

There were plenty of clues to like in this puzzle.  A nice job by Crux. Across 1 VIRGINIA CREEPER *(RECEIVING REPAIR) A great example of anagram fodder that fits nicely into the surface … Read more >>

I’m always pleased when I open Friday’s crossword and find I have Mudd to blog about. This was as enjoyable as Mudd consistently is, with some innovative definitions, entertaining wordplay and great clue … Read more >>

An overabundance of reversal devices today but, overall, a satisfying puzzle.  I’m far from confident that I’ve plumped for the right guess at 13A though (assuming that’s it’s some kind of cryptic/punning definition?) … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword on 11 May 2009 dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade ha = hidden answer *(fodder) = anagram … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of May 9 Is Cincinnus making his puzzles more difficult (ESPARTO, CALLUNA, EARNEST meaning pledge)? Or is it just a one-time thing? Or just me? Anyway, more … Read more >>

It seems quite a while since I’ve had any significant quibbles about a puzzle but today has changed that. One faulty clue (29a) and some questionable wordplay (5a, 9a, 2d, 4d, 11d, 22d). … Read more >>

A few of these clues are underwhelming, unless they possess some cleverness that I have missed.  Many of the surfaces are also awkward or don’t make a lot of sense.  Or maybe I’m … Read more >>

Good puzzle, tough in places with some word meanings new to me. Found 27A, 16D particularly interesting. Across 9 INHERITOR IN (RHETORIC – C)* 10 AGUES A(-r)GUES 11 UNTRUTH (-p)UNT (bet) RUTH (girl) … Read more >>

Slim-pickings for the anagram fiends from Mudd today, but a liberal smattering of compounds and double definitions. Across1 DECOCT – Dec + Oct.4 SPIFFING – s + piff[l]ing.9 MONKEY – Mon (three calendar … Read more >>

Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of May 2 A good challenge from Mudd. 18D took me a while. And I do not understand the wordplay in 21A. Across 1. MAIDEN – AID … Read more >>

Monday Prize Crossword on 4 May 2009 dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade ha = hidden answer *(fodder) = anagram … Read more >>

I am trying to compose myself so that I can write a short composition about sixteen composers (or twenty two if you include the various possibilities for 11 and 12). Despite having a … Read more >>

What a pleasant, if not difficult, solve.  No complaints here!  Across 1 STIMULATION T (time) in SIMULATION (replicated environment)  7 CUP C (about) UP (finished) 9 SCOFF SC (special constable) OFF (turned, in the … Read more >>

What a fine puzzle. A balanced mix of easy and tough clues. Bumpy ride, but a most enjoyable one. Across 9 YOU’VE GOT ME THERE 🙂 10 EXERT EXPERT – P 11 BATTALION … Read more >>