Independent 7,779 / Dac
A recent blogger of a Dac puzzle defied any reader to pick fault with what he saw as a flawless set of clues, and I can only echo those sentiments in respect of … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1194 – Presidential Interference by Emma
Simple rubric starting with the encouraging words “Having completed the grid”. So no immediate need to think about the puzzle element, get on with the clues. The answers were pretty straightforward but we … Read more >>
Independent 7,778/Crosophile
I think this is the first Crosophile puzzle I’ve blogged, and very enjoyable it was too. There’s a mini theme which I’m guessing coincides with yesterday being the 100 year anniversary of the … Read more >>
Financial Times 13803 Gurney
An elegant and enjoyable puzzle, with clean-cut clues, gentler than what the setter’s alter ego would have in the Indy. Thanks Gurney. Quite a few anagrams, but not complaining, as I like anagrams … Read more >>
Guardian 25,432 – Bonxie
This is very much an alcoholic puzzle centred around the pub and various drinks which can make you feel quite thirsty. Bonxie has taken some minor liberties with his clues but then they … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 618 / Beale
A pleasant puzzle which was made more difficult by the incorrect enumeration of 14 down. Most of the definitions given are from Chambers 11th Edition. Most of the standard abbreviations used in the … Read more >>
Independent 7777 by Math
*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism A strange grid without any longer answers. This was to accommodate the puzzle theme, which is the number 7 in celebration of having reached … Read more >>
Guardian 25,431 – Rufus
A very quick and easy one from Rufus today, with plenty of cryptic definitions (of varying degrees of crypticity) for those that like them, and the usual smooth surface readings. Only 3dn had … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1,125
A top quality puzzle of medium difficulty this week, I found. Just one question from me at 10dn, which is a shame because I’ve a feeling it’s the best clue here. *=anag, []=dropped, … Read more >>
Everyman No. 3389 (11th September)
Lorraine: Good morning to you all, I found nothing too taxing this week, a nice gentle Sunday morning solve. No particular likes or dislikes this week, the only query was 6dn. All comments most … Read more >>
Azed 2050 – 11 September 2011
It seemed to me that this puzzle had more than the usual helping of everyday words, or words I have met in crosswords before such that I was able to solve a good deal … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1126: Hypnos
Nothing too challenging this week, but a pleasant solve nonetheless. Across 1 REPUBLICAN Palin, perhaps, is traveller in a club abroad REP = traveller; *(in a club). Don’tcha just love her? Er, no. … Read more >>
Independent 7770 – Saturday Prize Puzzle 10 September 2011 by Mordred
I think this the first Mordred puzzle that I have blogged. I didn’t find it too difficult to solve but I am not sure that I have got all the parsing absolutely right. … Read more >>
Guardian 25424 / Crucible
This was a delightful crossword, with a theme of Last Night of the Proms (which was in the evening of the day the crossword came out) and every clue having a musical theme. … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 983 Lost and Found by Piccadilly
All clues are normal this week! Surely not in an EV – Ah but all answers are modified, that’s more like it and there are some blank squares to boot, exhibiting horizontal symmetry … Read more >>