Azed 2132/mising
A single unresolved wordplay and what appears to be a mistake by our friend Azed. Difficulty about mid-range for Azed — not terribly easy but nonetheless solvable by mere mortals such as myself. See … Read more >>
Guardian Prize Puzzle No 25,921 by Araucaria
There are two mini=themes in this puzzle, brought together at 20,21. One is the Shakespearean quotation, and the other is the centenary of the crossword. I solved this one on the plane to … Read more >>
Independent 8237 (Sat 13-April 2013) Monk
Here we are with Monk again and a very nice crossword that was fun to solve with the answers falling reasonably regularly, though I slowed to a halt at the last couple. But … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1064: Upper Half by Shark
OK – I know when I’m beaten – I surrender! I’ll come out quietly with my hands up. A seemingly simple preamble, a reasonably quick grid fill, and then two-plus weeks staring at … Read more >>
Guardian 25,926 / Arachne
What a treat to end a good week of crosswords! – a welcome return for Arachne, up to her usual witty wiles. The first two across clues were real ‘Won’t you come into … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1206
Wonder how many other folk allow themselves this weekly treat Across 1 Jerk restricting path taken by Jack in athletic event BROAD JUMP ROAD (path) J (jack) in BUMP … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,291 by Falcon
Straightforward and enjoyable – seems to lack definition in 4across Across 1 MERELY just ME RELY bank on 4 CANISTER ? C (first of Cloudy) RETSINA< (wine returned) 10 … Read more >>
Independent 8,272 / Phi
It is Friday today, Phi’s customary slot. I worked quite steadily through this one and, on the strength of the tight wordplay, was able to complete the puzzle fairly quickly and unaided, just … Read more >>
Financial Times no.14,290 by Gurney
Good morning, all. A pleasant enough puzzle from Gurney today, although, for me, a surfeit of anagrams made it something of a plod. No problems, though, and one or two very nice clues … Read more >>
Guardian 25,925 – Araucaria
Araucaria keeps them coming (I’m glad to say – see also yesterday’s FT puzzle by his alter ego Cinephile if you haven’t already). I found this mostly quite straightforward, though with some clues … Read more >>
Independent 8271 / Tyrus
Tyrus is a setter more frequently seen in the Independent at weekends than during the week. When he appears in the week, bloggers tend to say they found his puzzles difficult. I’m going … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,281 – Armonie
Monday Prize Crossword/Apr 8 While I was expecting a Crux puzzle, I got an Armonie instead. Some think he is too easy and/or really worth a Monday, but I think differently. Despite the fact … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,280 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of April 6, 2013 I call this an exceptionally good crossword puzzle. It has several brilliant clues, most notably in my estimation 20A (METABOLISE), 22A (HOTHOUSE), 3D … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,289 by Cinephile
I found this quite easy to solve yet very satisfying in the process. Loads of variety and interest and fresh ideas, how does he keep it up? I am continually astonished at Cinephile/Araucaria’s output. … Read more >>
Independent 8270/Dac
Yesterday ‘the Thatcher tribute puzzle’ was referred to but K’s D said that we could rest easy (and he was quite right). I have to be out later, so got up well in … Read more >>