After a run of blogging successively trickier Independent on Sunday puzzles I get a straightforward puzzle form Hypnos again, though no less enjoyable for that. Both accessible and interesting is what I thought. At the time of writing this I am more than a little tipsy after a long family dinner, so I hope I do Hypnos justice. Thank you Hypnos.
Independent Saturday Prize Puzzle 8937 / Phi – 6/6/15
We were surprised that Phi did not appear on Phiday (5th June), but then he popped up for this Saturday Prize Puzzle. We imagined that there would be a significant reason for … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 26,591 by Philistine
It was serendipitous for me that I was down to blog this puzzle, in view of its theme.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1176: Obstacle by Chalicea
The preamble to OBSTACLE says that solvers have to find in the grid: a desired ‘union’, a place, and an obstacle to said union (37 letters in all) – with 19 corrected misprints providing … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,955 by CHALMIE
To B or not to B !! Chalmie serves up a delectable challenge which was equal parts difficult as it was innovative – one can never say “Been there, done that!” with any of his grids and so that made it an exciting solve. I had to resort to confirming several answers on the internet so that possibly took a bit of the aura away, and I am not sure about the accuracy of one clue. But truly this is one grid that Rowan Atkinson would have loved to solve.
Guardian 26,596 / Brummie
I found this to be somewhat easier than some of Brummie’s previous offerings so it was over fairly quickly, which is just as well because I need to get this post published before … Read more >>
Independent 8,942 / Phi
Independent 8,942 / Phi No surprise to find Phi occupying this Friday morning slot. For once, even I spotted the theme today – the musical West Side Story – which was less well … Read more >>
Sloggers & Betters – York, Oct 24 (23-5) 2015 – Update
***** Update: The route and timings for the quiz pub crawl on Friday evening will be the same as last year, this time to incorporate sandwiches, chips ‘n’ stuff at the Maltings. Details can be found here. *****
Financial Times 14,954 / Orense
After a stiff challenge from Loroso yesterday which was towards the more difficult end of the FT spectrum we now have an Orense which was certainly very much the opposite. A good puzzle … Read more >>
Independent 8941 / Nestor
A puzzle from Nestor is always an enjoyable challenge There were a number of clues with complex wordplay. Regular readers of my blogs will know that I am partial to … Read more >>
Guardian 26,595 by Chifonie
The puzzle may be found at http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26595.
Financial Times 14,945 – Falcon
Monday Prize Crossword / Jun 1, 2015
The crosswords of Falcon (aka the Everyman Old Style) are always elegantly clued, accessible and easy-ish. No exception here.
Financial Times 14.944 by Magwitch
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of May 30, 2015 Thank you Magwitch for this relatively easy puzzle with a few fine clues. My clue of the week is a beauty, 15d (ABOLITION). … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,953 by LOROSO
A thoroughly devious offering from Loroso with a couple that I cannot fully explain. Thank you Loroso, great stuff!
Independent 8,940 by Dac
When Dac is the day’s setter the preamble to the blog tends to contain the word ‘usual’. Justifiably so. Such good surfaces, nearly every one of which paints a little picture without compromising the quality of the clue.