Independent 7450 by DAC
Pretty easy and straightforward DAC today. This was a bit rushed so there may a few typos. 1 Tapestery – Apes + T(itian) in TRY 5 Rabbit – Rabbi + T(time) 10 Arson … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1140 – Hard Going from Phi
This puzzle has an interesting preamble – “a significant minority of clues contain a misprint …” First thought is “What on Earth does that mean?” It could be anywhere between 1 and 16 … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,479 / Cinephile
I found this to be one of the hardest FT puzzles for quite some time. The right-hand side was filled quickly enough but the left-hand, particularly the NW corner, caused me a few problems. … Read more >>
Guardian 25,104 / Brendan
A fine puzzle from Brendan – as usual, a pleasure to write a post about. Another crossword that I wish I’d had more time to savour… All of the down clues have a … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,468 / Jason
I heard a short while ago that Agentzero cannot make it today so here is the clue analysis. There is only limited commentary because I am very pressed for time as I have to … Read more >>
Independent 7,449 by Radian
I’m a big fan of Radian’s puzzles, so was happy to see the name come up today. This was an enjoyable challenge, themed around 1ac. This was a bit of trawl (pun intended?) … Read more >>
Guardian 25103 – Paul
Hurray! On the trot, I get to blog Paul, indeed a master craftsman who did not disappoint with his unique brand of teasing and tantalising clues, ranging from the obvious to the obscure; … Read more >>
Independent 7448 by Mordred
An excellent puzzle from Mordred. It is themed on the TV sitcom Last of the Summer Wine (hereinafter LSW) which, after a record-breaking 37 years is coming to an end with the last … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic nº563 by Moley
This puzzle was on the easy side for Quiptics, with some clever surfaces and a few smiles. I hope to live up to Gaufrid’s brilliant initial blog! ACROSS 1. SERIAL homophone – sounds … Read more >>
Guardian 25,102 / Rufus
A pleasant Bank Holiday diversion from Rufus, after Saturday’s tour-de-force from Araucaria, with several smiles along the way. Thank you, Rufus, and a happy holiday, everyone! Across 9 EBULLIENT: BULL [farm animal] + … Read more >>
Private Eye/Cyclops 424 – Besmear drummer
Half-way through solving this I thought I was on for a record time – covering half the grid in a very few minutes. Then I slowed and then got interrupted by Real Life. … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1071 by Quixote – 22nd August 2010
Morning all. An impressive grid this week with no fewer than eight 15-letter answers. These long answers were mostly presented as anagrams, and unpicking them all took some time. Our pick of the … Read more >>
Azed 1995
I managed to solve about three-quarters of this puzzle without any assistance from Chambers or the internet. It’s surprising what being on holiday in remote places can do for the brain. However, I … Read more >>
Everyman 3334
Not my favourite one ever. Far too many anagrams (just under half of all the clues contained anagrams) and some obscure knowledge – I don’t think I have ever used the phrase at … Read more >>
Guardian 25,095 (Sat 21 Aug)/Araucaria – Any colour as long as it’s black and white
Solving time: 8 mins I found this the most enjoyable Araucaria I’ve done for a good while. The surface readings almost all made good sense and the cryptic indications were much more accurate … Read more >>