Beelzebub 1,231
A fairly steady, but certainly not over-easy, solve this week, I found. Many answers fell in smoothly, with a small handful (such as 12, 23 and 2) that I felt I should check … Read more >>
Azed 2157 – Closing Date
Due to an error in some editions of the Observer last week, the closing date for entries for this puzzle has been extended by a week. As a result, the relevant blog will … Read more >>
Everyman 3,496 (6/10/13)
Everyman invariably provides a gentle start to a Sunday morning and this was no exception. Many good surfaces and plenty of anagrams and charades which led to a speedy solve. One unfamiliar, for … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1233 Commoner
This was a similar experience to the last Commoner I blogged – there was one answer which took me quite some time to parse. Thanks to Commoner for a puzzle that was a … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1089: Choreography by Kea
Kea’s puzzles are normally at the trickier end of the spectrum, certainly those in the Listener series. Time would tell whether I was in for a hard time this week or not. My … Read more >>
Independent 8417 (Sat 05-Oct 2013) Jambazi
Jambazi delivers a crossword for the prize slot which is not as tricky as expected. Some of his weekday offerings have given me more trouble. Solving progressed steadily with some answers popping in, … Read more >>
Guardian 26,071 / Bonxie
A fun puzzle from Bonxie – probably on the easy side for a prize puzzle, but very enjoyable to work through. Thanks to NeilW for pointing out something I missed: there are lots … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,441 by Bradman
Not an easy solve – most satisfying Across 1 WELL-WISHER dd 6 DATA stuff in computer A TAD< (a bit back) 9 OOPS-A-DAISY sorry OO (love x 2) PS … Read more >>
Guardian 26,076 by Arachne
Tough, but excellent puzzle on a topical theme. Plenty of clever clues and surfaces, and I groaned aloud at 1dn. [There is a thematic nina around the edge of the grid, going clockwise.] … Read more >>
Independent 8422 / Tees
For anyone surprised to find a Tees puzzle on a Phiday, please have a look at yesterday’s blog. Posa turns out to be Phi in disguise!! This was an enjoyable solve, with several … Read more >>
Independent 8,421 / Posa
Today’s offering is by a compiler whose work I have not knowingly encountered before. One always approaches the work of a “new” setter with a sense of eager anticipation, tinged with nervous anxiety … Read more >>
Financial Times no.14,440 by Gozo
A splendid puzzle, this, from Gozo, with a decidedly bookish flavour (a theme which was right up my street, but may have left others tearing their hair). Technically, not a difficult solve, but … Read more >>
Guardian 26,075 – Gordius
My second Gordius In two weeks: regular readers may be aware that he is not exactly my favourite setter, so I will just say that this is fairly typical of his style, though … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,431 – Crux
Monday Prize Crossword/Sep 30 An overall enjoyable offering from Crux which may be found here. That said, as so often with Crux, I wasn’t very keen on the cryptic definitions while there were altogether … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,430 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of September 28, 2013 This puzzle has a few clues that I found challenging: 7D (TUTTI), 9A (PRUNE) and 24A (OARSMEN). My top clues are 1D (HOPELESS), … Read more >>