FT

The puzzle was uploaded later than usual and just about that time there was power failure in my flat. Hence the delay in posting the blog. 29dn gave a quick foothold onto the grid. … Read more >>

From FT Monday 9 June 2008 Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram What a … Read more >>

Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram Across 1 AVIEMORE Cha of A VIE (struggle) … Read more >>

I found this Cincinnus distinctly more difficult than I am used to. Did others feel the same? It carries on his elegant quality with great clues such as 13A, 19A, 5D and 24D. … Read more >>

Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram What a fantastic day this has been. In … Read more >>

Done in 30 minutes. Puzzle is of average difficulty. I got toehold with 13ac. I finished the lower half of the grid first. The very last ones were in the top left corner: … Read more >>

From FT Monday 2 June 2008 Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram What a … Read more >>

Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram Another varied mixture of clever clues plus a … Read more >>

Given that I’m posting relatively late in the day, I’ll keep the editorial comments to a minimum – in the interests of expediency.  There’s not really anything unduly tricky in here anyway, although I … Read more >>

Mudd kept me busy for a while with this one. 21D strikes me as an interesting case: I believe it works perfectly as a cryptic definition yet the cryptic-ness of it seems rather … Read more >>

Some clever clues by SATORI.  I especially liked 21a, 7d. and 14d. Would appreciate comments on 20d.  Boards made me think of theatre, but the anagram seemed clear. ACROSS 1.    ROSARY – ros(em)ary … Read more >>

From FT Monday 26 May 2008 Common abbreviations used dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade * = anagram By the … Read more >>

Across 9 ISHERWOOD – isher (anag. of ‘hires’) + wood 10 AMONG – hidden in ‘jAM ON, Going’ :: The clue suggests a crush in a pressing crowd 11 RUNAWAY – two def. … Read more >>

Not too troublesome today – one or two pleasing clues with a few rather obvious ones. ACROSS 1.    TAFFRAIL – <fat-frail (upper part of the stern of a ship) 5.    STASIS –  dd. … Read more >>

Just a reminder about the common abbreviations that I use *() = anagram (fodder) cd = cryptic definition dd = double definition ha = hidden answer ins = insertion cha = charade Two … Read more >>