Observer

Everyman 3,906/22 August

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A well-constructed puzzle from Everyman this week, which I enjoyed solving and blogging.   Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) … Read more >>

Azed 2567

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A rather busy week meant that I solved this in several short sessions, which perhaps made it seem more difficult than it actually is, but in retrospect most of it looks fairly straightforward, … Read more >>

Everyman 3,905

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All was pretty straightforward and it seemed that this was another crossword from Everyman that maintained the recent good standard. But, although they were both quite sound, I took absolutely ages on a pair of clues that I just couldn’t do. One of them was fine really, and I kicked myself afterwards; the other was rather obscure I thought; if an answer is going to be an obscure word, then in my opinion the clue should be pretty straightforward. This one wasn’t. Thank goodness I eventually got there.

Definitions in crimson, underlined. Indicators (anagrams, hidden, reversal, etc) in italics. Anagrams indicated *(like this} or (like this)*

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Azed 2564

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Azed usually sets a Competition Puzzle on the first Sunday of the month.  For August it is a plain puzzle where solvers are asked to set a clue for an entry for which … Read more >>

Azed 2,563 Plain

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Apologies for the late appearance of this post but, due to personal circumstances, the scheduled blogger has been unable to be with us today. If anything needs further explanation please just ask. Across … Read more >>

Everyman 3,902/25 July

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A generally pleasing puzzle from Everyman this week, but – and there is often a but – with one or two clues that for me didn’t quite work. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd … Read more >>

Everyman 3,901

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The Everyman crossword is definitely improving. There were some nice clues here, and I only had a few very slight doubts in places, as you’ll see in the blog. More like the old Everyman: not all that difficult but sound and a good starting puzzle.

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Azed 2561

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Another Azed where I got about half way through very quickly, but then struggled to finish the rest, though fortunately I managed it in the end. There seems to be a mistake in … Read more >>