A message from John H.
I’m sure to have missed people out or to have left out special dietary needs. Please would you check the relevant list(s) below, and advise me of any such omissions or inaccuracies. I can easily swap you from list to list.
Quiptic 777 by Beale
The mysterious Beale returns to the Quiptic slot this week with an enjoyable puzzle that may cause a little head-scratching in places.
I say ‘mysterious’ because the profile on the Guardian site informs us only that ‘Beale is a crossword setter’. The Crossword Who’s Who on the Best for Puzzles site is similarly coy, telling us only that ‘Beale is a setter of Quiptic crosswords’. I never came top of my class at school but I think I knew that already. Perhaps Quiptic regulars know more.
Independent 8729 by Eimi
This was generally at the easier end of the spectrum, but contained a few obscure uses of words that meant some of the parsings took a bit of research. It feels as if … Read more >>
Guardian 26,383 – Rufus
Only two cryptic definitions today, but seven doubles (though in several of those the two definitions are very closely related), together with mostly very straightforward clues of other types, suitable for those who … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1,282
A bit of a rollercoaster for me this week. When 1 across dropped in straight away, I thought this was going to be an easy ride. An hour later the second answer fell … Read more >>
Everyman 3547/28 September
Another pleasing Sunday morning crossword from Everyman. One or two old chesnutty friends making an appearance, but it’s a puzzle for improving solvers, so we won’t quibble. Appearances from PORTIA and LADY MACBETH, … Read more >>
Genius 135 / Crucible
The preamble told us that all solutions are thematic, wholly or in part. All clues contain normal definitions but, with 18 of them, the wordplay ignores the thematic element. I … Read more >>
Azed 2208
I thought I was off to a good start with this when I got all four of the long answers around the edges (including 34a by some inspired guesswork). I then polished off … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,284 by Commoner
I found this very enjoyable, a good example of how to make a crossword accessible without making it dull. Something in here for everybody. Thanks Commoner.
Independent 8,722 by Anax (Saturday Prize Puzzle, 27/09/14)
Another tour de force from Anax, I thought. Quite a challenge, of course, but I was pleased to be able to finish this one, even if it did take all week. The characteristic … Read more >>
Guardian Prize Puzzle 26,376 by Philistine
A tougher than usual challenge this week, on a theme which was unfamiliar to me.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1140: 118 by MynoT
In the week leading up to the Scottish referendum, I took inspiration from the story of Robert the Bruce in his cave with the spider…’if at first you can’t solve the EV, stare at … Read more >>
A sad loss
Some of you may have noticed that one of our regular contributors, rhotician, has not commented recently. Sadly, the reason for this is that he was in hospital where he passed away on Tuesday morning.
Since his first comment back in early June 2012, rhotician has regularly provided valuable input to our discussions and I, for one, will miss his contributions. I’m sure that all those who visit this site, particularly those who met Michael at one of the S&B get-togethers, will wish to join me in sending condolences to his family and friends.
Guardian 26,381 – Picaroon
A very entertaining puzzle from Picaroon, where I realised early on what was happening in 10 across (after getting 23/12), but that didn’t make the other thematic phrases any easier to solve. I … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,743 / Bradman
With only a handful of entries during my first pass through the clues I thought I might struggle a little with this one but I then made steady progress and completed it without … Read more >>