Well, that was a struggle, very hard work and thought for a while it was going to beat me.
Independent 7177/Phi – online version
We’re having quite a kerfuffle this morning. Because of ‘technical difficulties’, the puzzle in the paper by Phi isn’t the same as this one. So having never blogged a Phi puzzle before, I’ve … Read more >>
Independent 8705/Phi – paper version
Phi on a Monday? And we have a note in the paper saying that the online version is different ‘for technical reasons’. What’s occurring? Well, what’s occurring is another fine crossword from … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1,278
A very tough week, I thought. Plenty of nice long entries to work through though, which was pleasing. I think I’ve managed to explain everything this week, though I can’t claim to have … Read more >>
Azed 2204
Fairly straightforward from the master. Managed to solve in less than 2 hours (with frequent trips to TBRB). Definitions underlined. Across 1 Confirmed philistine, I’m backward, unaccompanied by substance (10) MI,SOLO,GIST … Read more >>
Everyman 3543/31 August
Another sound as a pound puzzle from Everyman. Struggled with the bottom half this morning. It’s all there, though: when in doubt, read the instructions. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,280 by Hypnos
Sound clues and an enjoyable solve. Thanks Hypnos.
Independent Prize Puzzle 8698 / eXternal – 30/08/14
Our comment on the last puzzle by eXternal contained the following: “Good puzzle – a few head-scratching moments, a few smiles and a few new definitions – just the way to start the … Read more >>
Guardian Prize Puzzle 26,352 by Paul
This is last Saturday’s prize puzzle which did not appear in Saturday’s paper!
Enigmatic Variations No. 1136: Journey by Jaguar
Jaguar is offering to take us on a JOURNEY…who knows where we will end up. As it happens, I was away on a family holiday in the South-West that week, and ‘are we … Read more >>
Guardian 26,357 / Paul
As he hadn’t appeared so far this week, and as he set last Saturday’s prize puzzle, I knew I was going to be in for a Paul today. The theme brought back some … Read more >>
Independent 8,703 / Monk
Monk is occupying Phi’s usual Friday slot today. Having solved the puzzle, I see no particular reason, e.g. a theme or anniversary, that would explain why Friday is not Phiday this week, but … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,719 by REDSHANK
This was a puzzle in 3 parts. The 1st part was solving the clues that seemed ready for parsing. The 2nd was correcting for the wrong numbering in the second half of both the across and down clues. This had to be done after removing 2 black squares which shouldn’t have been, along 2dn and 7dn. The 3rd part was trying to put 1 and 2 together. Barring these minor inconveniences, I really had a fun time attacking this grid, so thanks to Redshank (yet again!) for making this a meaty challenge.
Financial Times no.14,718 by Artexlen
A smart, moderately challenging puzzle, this. Good fun.
Independent 8702 / Tees
Today’s puzzle from Tees provides a good Thursday workout This was a puzzle of two halves for me. I solved around half of the clues fairly quickly but took a … Read more >>