Never knowingly undersolved
The usual Monday mixture from Vulcan: some nice clues, but also a couple that at distinctly on the weak side. Thanks to Vulcan. I wonder if tomorrow’s puzzle number 30,000 will bring something … Read more >>
A tricky one this month that took me far longer to solve than a puzzle in this series normally does. The instruction was clear enough: ll vwls hv bn rmvd frm bth cls nd … Read more >>
Our crossword Editor continues to surprise us: after a week without a Paul puzzle, it seemed that he must be going to slip into the Prize slot for the second week running [which … Read more >>
A puzzle of the high quality we’ve come to expect from this setter; not too hard (though I struggled slightly to finish the SE corner), but very satsfying and enjoyable. Thanks to Nutmeg. … Read more >>
Thank you to Pasquale. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Primate in role, as protection against the enemy? (7) PARAPET : APE(a primate – the mammal that’s not of the clerical … Read more >>
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27995. I found this a most enjoyable crossword – witty, inventive, and challenging enough without being too difficult. It has been a while since I last blogged … Read more >>
Imogen sets the Tuesday challenge. As usual with this setter, we have a handful of straightforward clues [e.g. 12, 14, 18ac, 2, 15dn] to get us started and keep us going, with others … Read more >>
A fine Quiptic from Matilda this morning. One or two clues to stretch the target audience of ‘beginners’, but all fair. I have tried to explain in detail how all the clues work, … Read more >>
A fun solve, and I was held up in places with an unusual grid and a few less familiar words. Favourites 1ac, 14ac, and 25ac. Thanks to Chifonie for the puzzle.
One of those crosswords where there are too many great clues to pick out any particular favourites! We found it of moderate difficulty for a prize, solving it in one session. Many thanks … Read more >>
Had a slow start, and then it was done very quickly. Still unsure on some parsing. Favourites 25ac and 5dn – thanks to Brummie.
A nice mix of clues from Tramp today, with nothing too obscure; perhaps the old jumper may be unfamiliar to younger or non-UK solvers. No theme or Nina that I can see, though … Read more >>
A themed challenge from Crucible. I would need to check back, but I don't remember blogging a Crucible before (when I do check, I'll probably find I've done quite a few – think … Read more >>
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27988. I wondered for a time if I would find any entry into this puzzle, but it came together eventually, except that I had not come across … Read more >>
Carpathian provides a very good example of how a Quiptic should be. The clues are all elegantly concise, there’s nothing too obscure, and while some solutions are not straightforward they’re all “obvious when … Read more >>