This week’s 11 x 11 crossword from the Guardian intended to teach cryptic crosswords, found here
Private Eye (Cyclops / 834) Intense Hernia
A fun solve, although (or because) it took me almost all of the available time to complete, across a number of sittings. I’ve had a busy few weeks, with a very engaging new … Read more >>
Guardian Saturday Prize Crossword 30,056 by Enigmatist (11 July 2026)
Ah, an Enigmatist Prize puzzle on my blogging slot – that familiar pang of fear in the pit of the stomach, and the instinctive rush of fight-or-flight adrenalin!
Listener 4926, Pie by Dimitry
What a pleasure to see a crossword by Dimitry who has been setting them since at least 1983 – that’s when Dave Hennings’ records began. This will be his 31st in the records, including one set with three others as Listener No 4,000.
Guardian 30,061: Vlad
Some tricky clueing here, as one would expect, including a couple of rather unconventional structures. Thanks to Vlad for the challenge.
Independent 12410 / Phi
As is normal for an Independent Friday, we have a puzzle from Phi. I often mutter to myself about the large number of clues that have their definitions at the start. Today, I’m … Read more >>
Financial Times 18,428 by BOBCAT
A fun puzzle from BOBCAT this Friday.
Independent 12,409 by Hoskins
Hoskins in one of his regular Independent appearances.
Financial Times 18,427 by GURNEY
Gurney is this morning’s setter.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,060 by Anto
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/30060.
Enigmatic Variations No.1754 – Block Letters by Nudd
“Each clue gives an answer of nine letters to be entered clockwise or anticlockwise around the numbered square, starting anywhere and with one letter of the word placed in the central square. The 24 unchecked perimeter/corner letters might give PAN A LATE SOLUTION OF BLOCKS. Several of these can be deduced from entries and the remaining few ambiguities can be resolved by consideration of the familiar pattern of BLOCK LETTERS revealed in the numbered squares.
Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Independent 12,408 by Eccles
Once again we have the pleasure of blogging a puzzle by Eccles.
Financial Times 18,426 by GOLIATH
Great fun from Goliath.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,059 by Paul
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/30059.
Independent 12,407 / Atrica
It has been a while since it has fallen to me to blog a puzzle by Atrica, and this one was a rather unique puzzle.