Independent 7,928 / Radian
Although I am familiar with Radian’s work from this and other publications as a solver, this is the first time I have blogged a puzzle of his for the Indy. It was clear … Read more >>
Financial Times 13951 Peto
I think Peto is new to the FT. I was initially anxious, it being somewhat uncharted territory. However, the puzzle turned out to be quite the usual FT start to the week, ie. more straightforward than … Read more >>
Guardian 25,582 – Philistine
This has to be one of the most enjoyable puzzles to solve and blog. Philistine’s use of indirect and misleading definitions is just my cup of tea. Stir in the smooth and seamless … Read more >>
Independent 7927 by Punk
Enjoyable puzzle in the Punk style. Some of it was fairly easy, but then I struggled to finish with some answers that were less familiar (to me anyway). Solving time, 27 mins * … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 643 Hectence
This was a fair level of difficulty for a Quiptic. Enjoyably so, so thanks Hectance. Definitions are underlined in the clues. The picture sets at the bottom each has its own unidentified link … Read more >>
Guardian 25,581 / Rufus
The usual Monday mix of double and cryptic definitions and a couple of really nice anagrams. Thank you, Rufus! Across 5 STAYED: double definition 6 KOPECK: KO [knock out] + PECK [large quantity]: … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1,147
I hope this is roughly the appropriate date to post this one. Beelzebub competition closing dates seem to have shifted recently, to give solvers an extra week to get their entries in. We’re … Read more >>
Azed No 2074 “Forty Years On”
This puzzle marked the fortieth anniversary of the Azed series, a remarkable milestone. It did not disappoint. At first glance it looked formidable, with a 13 by 13 grid allowing rather more clues … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1150/Glow-worm
I enjoyed the last Glow-worm IoS puzzle that I blogged, but this one was better in my opinion – a nice lightness of touch and some very cleverly constructed clues. It was also … Read more >>
Everyman 3413/4 March 2012
Another fine Sunday morning puzzle from Everyman, with some less common words thrown into the mix. There were three solutions today that I wasn’t familiar with, but they were all clearly clued and … Read more >>
Independent 7,920 by Nestor (Saturday Prize Puzzle 03/03/12)
It took a little while to get started on this one. The first one to go in was 26d and the last one was 16a. We were half expecting a NINA with the … Read more >>
Guardian prize 25,574 / Bonxie
I have said several times that we don’t see enough of Bonxie, so I was pleased to see his name on this puzzle. However, I found it a rather mixed bag, with some … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No.1007 – Loyalty by Samuel
I do like Samuel. I can’t remember exactly which past EVs were his, but his name is associated in my mind with a sort of pleasant, hazy, possibly-toughish-in-parts-but-fair feeling. Perhaps I’m post-rationalising, because … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 25579 Shed
This balances yesterday’s puzzle, and there should be no similar complaints today (but there are complaints…and there are complaints – and complainants). A tough one especially the right half. Though completed, I can’t explain … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,948 by Orense
Straightforward puzzle today ACROSS 1 CANNES sunny place C cold ANNE’S girl’s 4 MALDIVES islands M ‘west’ of Marshall A L[over’s] DIVES drops 10 ARGENTINA country anagram of RANGE TIN metal … Read more >>