The odd less common reference, the inevitable bit of geography, notably coherent surfaces – what more can one say? Everyman continues to produce crosswords which are not pitched too high for most beginners, but have enough spice to satisfy more experienced solvers.
Azed 2106
A puzzle in the middle of the Azed scale of difficulty, with no particularly involved clue construction, but a few rather obscure references needing lookups in Chambers and elsewhere. As always, quality clueing … Read more >>
Independent Crossword 8112 by Donk (Saturday Prize Puzzle 13-10-2012)
A new setter, I believe time for champagne and caviar? Indeed it is. what a marvellous debut. I can’t remember when I was so engrossed in a non-barred puzzle. A lovely variety of … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 25,766 / Tramp
Following recent Prize puzzles from relative newcomers Qaos and Picaroon, here’s Tramp’s welcome first appearance in the Saturday slot [although he has written some excellent Genius puzzles]. We were expecting it, because … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No.1039 – Pictures by Shark
Recently, there have been a number of EVs that have left me staring blankly at a filled grid, unclear as to how to proceed. Although it shouldn’t have been, this was one of those.
Independent 8117/Phi
As always a nice crossword from Phi. The system of having a number of clues (the answers to which are in bold) that rely on some already-solved clues is not my favourite, but in this … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,139 by Orense
Good start to the day Across 1 PLAINTIFF (litigant) sounds like (say) PLANE TIFF 6 STICK (criticism) S[kinhead] TICK (credit) 9 LOCUM (doctor) sounds like (rumours) LOW COME (depression, arrive) … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1180
Easier end of the Beelzebub spectrum but still a satisfying challenge Across 1 Not entirely direct about direct debit’s former function STEDDE (function obs) DD (direct debit) in STEE[r] (direct) … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic N° 25,771 by Brummie
An éclair of a crossword.
Financial Times no.14,138 by STYX
I enjoyed this morning’s not-too-tough offering from Styx, although I found the odd clue surprisingly knotty (like discovering ball-bearings in your candy-floss). My main cavil would be that I think an anagram is … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 25770 Paul
I had a very pleasant time solving this – a witty and clever puzzle. My favourites were the clues with the mathematical signs, the setter managing to include the 4 most common. Thanks … Read more >>
Independent 8116 / Monk
We found this a relatively straightforward work-out for a Thursday puzzle. The clueing was all very fair, with good surface readings, but we did need some assistance to check some unusual definitions and … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,129 – Falcon
Monday Prize Crossword/Oct 8 While expecting another Crux, we got an enjoyable crossword from Falcon instead (which can be found here). I had a flying start, but just like in this setter’s recent … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,128 by Cincinnus
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of October 6, 2012 Ah, a Cincinnus puzzle with a theme, the TV program “Frasier”! I like a themed puzzle occasionally but this one proved difficult for … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,137 by Aardvark
More difficult than the previous puzzles by Aardvark that I have blogged. I ejoyed this very much, thank you Aardvark. I started in the top-left corner and after a few solutions went in at first glance … Read more >>