Easy breezy puzzle.
Independent 8731 / Dac
A fairly standard puzzle from Dac today with his usual elegant clue writing. There were a significant number of entries with consecutive double letters. I counted ten in all, six … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1353: Eight from Eight by Radler
This puzzle by Radler had a fairly short preamble, as follows: "The title alludes to the eight unclued themed solutions. Only one is from eight, and nine’s too many for the theme. Seven … Read more >>
Independent 8,730 by Punk
A typically neat and pleasant offering from Punk today. It is themed around 11dn, which is to some extent my time, but I still needed Google to explain many of the answers. What … Read more >>
Guardian 26,384 by Paul
Great stuff from Paul…
York S&B October 24-25
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 >>