Guardian

A very good morning’s worth of entertainment. Orlando employed some tongue-in-cheek devices which got me laughing ACROSS 9 AT LEISURE Former British Prime Minister, Clement ATTLEE (1883-1967) minus T&E -> ATLE + I … Read more >>

After a break last week, Rufus returns to his Monday slot with a puzzle that is typical beginners’/beginning of the week fare. A gentle stroll with nothing too taxing for those who have … Read more >>

Solving time: 6 mins Unless I’m getting my compilers confused (quite possible) I found this much easier than most Gordius puzzles – there were a couple of straightforward long anagrams which helped early … Read more >>

A topical tennis theme from Crucible, who also covered the Snooker World championships in two out of six previous Guardian puzzles. Plenty of clever cluing, especially 29,12. Across 9 OPERA-GOER =”Met fan”, referring … Read more >>

We don’t see Boatman very often which is a pity since he usually provides an enjoyable challenge and this was no exception, despite my having a couple of quibbles (though this could just … Read more >>

Sorry for the late (and very rushed) post – I knew I was blogging today but didn’t make much progress on the way into work and then promptly forgot about it. I wish … Read more >>

What a treat to blog Paul with his unique sense of humour and the dashes of risque. I learned a lot of details while searching for answers to explain each clue. Aren’t we … Read more >>

Chifonie steps in on one of the occasional non-Rufus Mondays with a straightforward but nicely clued puzzle.             Across 1. PLAICE I in PLACE 4. TWO-BIT OB (Old … Read more >>

Solving time: 12 mins Another themed puzzle from Araucaria with lots of references to playing cards, both in clue answers and wordplay. I found this a pleasant enough puzzle with few significant quibbles … Read more >>

A great puzzle from Enigmatist – as always, some of the wordplay is difficult to parse, but with the help of my partner I think I’ve got them all. One of the aspects … Read more >>

What a treat! – my favourite compiler and a number of theatrical / literary allusions. I realise that, on both counts, this will not be everyone’s cup of tea but it was right … Read more >>

Another clever themed puzzle from Brendan, this time based on (mostly elementary) mathematics. Amazingly, just about every clue and answer has mathematical connections – a brilliant feat. Maybe my mathematical background helps, but … Read more >>

Solving this puzzle was pretty routine and amusing, given that The Don is always scrupulously fair. However, writing a blog and explaining each and every wordplay is another thing and took me ages. … Read more >>

A very easy start to the week and one completed rather quickly whilst watching the sun rise on the summer solstice. A typical Rufus with the odd good cd (3dn) and some less so … Read more >>