Guardian

Picaroon rounds off the year of Saturday crosswords with a puzzle that initially baffled me more than most of you, I suspect. The Special instructions were: ‘Wordplay in all but one of the … Read more >>

Thanks to Brendan. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 8. Semi-human creature Greek character encountered in youth (8) MINOTAUR : TAU(nineteenth character in the Greek alphabet) contained in(encountered in) MINOR(a youth/person under … Read more >>

The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28330. The theme is worn on the sleeve: ‘champions’ appears in several clues, and is fairly clearly soccer-related. It turns out that the reference is to UEFA … Read more >>

This is my third Enigmatist blog in a row and as I said last time, we don’t see him very often – the last time was six months ago. I know I’m not … Read more >>

Always a pleasure to tackle a Nutmeg puzzle – lots of favourites including 11ac, 14ac/7dn, 3dn, 4dn, 19dn, 23dn and 24dn. Many thanks to Nutmeg   ACROSS 1 ALGEBRA ‘Crumbling gable’ artist’s symbolic … Read more >>

I made rather slow progress on this at first, probably because of what seems like a large number cryptic and double definitions, but it’s all pretty straightforward in retrospect. Thanks to Vulcan.   … Read more >>

We found this a very enjoyable Christmas puzzle, with the themed clues consistently cleverly done – thanks, Maskarade! The rubric for this puzzle read: Twenty-eight clues lead to solutions that include a theme … Read more >>

Thank you to Paul for the seasonal offering.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, all. Across 7. Drug, one fuelling a short run (7) ASPIRIN : I(Roman … Read more >>

The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28324. I found this an excellent crossword. In a previous crossword, I noted Crucible’s penchant for envelopes, with varied indications to fit the surfaces. Crucible also likes … Read more >>

It’s down to Qaos to provide the fun this morning – and that means there must be a theme. I have never seen The OFFICE and all I know about it is that … Read more >>

A fun start to the week – I particularly liked 12ac, 22ac, 2dn, and 6dn. Many thanks to Pan.   ACROSS 1 HELIPAD Landing ground needs helium for large computer (7) HE (Helium) … Read more >>

Paul’s email to his subscribers classed this as 7/10 in terms of difficulty, which seems about right. It took Timon and I an hour and a half to complete the puzzle, and I’m … Read more >>

A difficult solve after a quick start, with several answers entered without fully parsing until writing the blog. Favourites were 8ac, 21ac, 4dn, 5dn, and 17dn. Many thanks to Paul …there is an … Read more >>