A straightforward plain puzzle from Azed this week, with just one clue leaving me a little baffled.
Observer
Everyman 3,970/13 November
Another solid puzzle from Everyman, with the usual trademarks: the paired clues, the self-reference and the initial letter cad. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind … Read more >>
Azed 2630
The first Azed puzzle of the month is usually a competition puzzle. Sometimes it is also presented in a non-standard format. Today we have what many consider to be the most difficult variation … Read more >>
Everyman 3,969
I haven’t been very efficient this time, since there are two clues that leave me bewildered. However, I’m sure that some of the many people who read this blog will help. Otherwise it’s quite a satisfactory Everyman with the usuals (self-reference, first letters, rhyming answers (PACIFIC OCEAN, LAWS OF MOTION), and no doubt other things that I’ve missed). In only one or two cases I’m a bit unhappy with the clues.
Definitions underlined, in crimson. Indicators (anagram, homophone, hidden, first letters, etc) in italics. Anagram indicators indicated like *(this) or (this)*. Link-words in green.
Azed No. 2,629 Plain
This is my first outing blogging the venerable Azed.
Everyman 3,968
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3968.
Azed No. 2,628 Plain
An accessible plain puzzle from Azed.
Everyman 3,967
Sunday rolls around and it’s time to blog the Everyman
Azed 2627
A reasonably testing Azed, though sound and clear in retrospect as usual. I have a minor quibble about the definition in 24d, but that might be my ignorance. Thanks to Azed. Across … Read more >>
Everyman 3,966/16 October
Another enjoyable offering from Everyman this week, which I think hits the spot for what is intended as an easy-end puzzle. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* … Read more >>
Azed No. 2,626 Plain
An eclectic selection of words in this week’s puzzle.
Everyman 3,965
Everyman sets him/herself several tasks over and above those of the usual setter of a cryptic: the self-referential clue, the first letters clue, the rhyming answers (like BAKEWELL TART and CROSS MY HEART) and no doubt others and almost always does pretty well at this. The standard of the actual clues is the main thing, and they are sound so far as I can see. One or two of the surfaces are a bit lame, though — for example ‘nag a swimmer’ — what does that mean beyond the obvious?
Definitions underlined, in crimson. Indicators (anagrams, homophones, reversal, hidden, etc.) in italics. Link-words in green. Anagrams indicated *(like this) or (like this)*
Azed No. 2,625 Plain – Competition Puzzle
A 13 x 11 grid for this month’s competition puzzle.
Everyman 3,964
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3964.
Azed 2624 – Right and Left
A special from Azed this week where he gives us one of his ‘Right and Left’ puzzles. The clue at 1 across holds everything together and determines the right and … Read more >>