Never knowingly undersolved
A workmanlike puzzle which, for me, lacked any clues with the “wow” factor. Most of the definitions given are from Chambers 12th Edition. Most of the standard abbreviations used in the wordplay are … Read more >>
Thanks to Rufus for a characteristic potpourri of anagrams and double and cryptic definitions to start the week. Across 9 Generally where the seas are high (2,3,4) IN THE MAIN Double definition 10 … Read more >>
An enjoyable enough prize puzzle from Maskerade; I had a few minor grumbles, but bar a couple of clues with unfamiliar references we found it a pretty easy solve. 1d was my favourite … Read more >>
The special instructions tell us that all across solutions share a common theme, not further defined. This may prompt the usual comments that such puzzles turn out to be a write-in for the … Read more >>
A nice puzzle from Shed – I found this on the easier side at first but tough to finish. Favourite clues were 5ac, 24ac and 4dn. 29ac was new to me.
I’m sorry to say I didn’t find this very satisfying – as in previous Otterden puzzles there are some excessively obvious clues (e.g. 26a, 3d) and some rather dodgy constructions. There are some … Read more >>
Orlando today with a rather sweet crossword….
Nutmeg has as ever provided a nice crossword at a reasonably simple level, though the smooth surfaces may lead solvers up a few blind alleys. Anagrams are comparatively thin on the ground, but … Read more >>
The puzzle may be found at http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26215. I found this harder than most Rufus puzzles, not helped by some definitions that I find doubtful. He seems to be on an envelope kick. … Read more >>
A musical theme for this week’s prize puzzle from Puck.
The puzzle may be found at http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26213. It’s been a very good week at the Guardian, culminating with this one, which I found rather difficult – and like last week, I had an hour … Read more >>
An entertaining puzzle from Paul – reasonably straightforward, I think, with some ingenious constructions and several smiles to help things along. Many thanks to him. Across 8 Granny made beastly remark about president … Read more >>
Tricky and fun from Arachne today. I groaned at 3dn, especially liked 18ac, 25ac and 23dn, and loved the definition for 2dn.
Nutmeg has become quite a regular setter in the Cryptic seat recently. As she is perhaps better known as a Quiptic setter, I was expecting a fairly gentle ride this morning: maybe it’s … Read more >>
Welcome from a cold and grey Rochdale, the weather’s not much better. Brendan returns giving Rufus a week off.