My turn to blog the cruciverbal marathon that is the Private Eye/Cyclops Christmas Special…about 2 and a 1/2 times as many clues/entries as usual, and exactly 2.5 times the Prize on offer!
Financial Times 17,608 JULIUS
A jumbo treat from Julius to accompany the normal Saturday puzzle.
Independent 11,612 by Phi
The last Phiday of 2023.
Financial Times 17,614 by LEONIDAS
A fun challenge from LEONIDAS to end the last work day of the year with.
Guardian Cryptic 29,265 by Tramp
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/29265.
Guardian 29,264 / Jack
It’s only a couple of weeks since I blogged the last Jack puzzle and said, ‘A fairly tricky but enjoyable and rewarding challenge, meticulously clued, with excellent surfaces, from Jack.’ I think I … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1621 Playing the Game by Kcit
The 10×10 grid is to be viewed as 25 2×2 blocks and numbers derived by adding the numerical value of the letter in each block. In each double set of clues there is … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,613 MUDD
Mudd is today's FT setter.
Independent 11,611 by Bluebird
Bluebird makes a 5th appearance this year in today’s Indy.
Independent 11,610 / Eccles
Eccles has provided our first regular puzzle following the Christmas bank holiday with its cornucopia of festive crosswords. And if you have somewhat lost your bearings over the last few days owing to … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,612 by IO
A tricky puzzle from IO this morning.
Guardian Cryptic 29,263 by Fed
A slow and enjoyable solve – my favourites were 23ac, 2dn, 4/18, 6dn, 14dn, and 19dn. Thanks to Fed for the puzzle
Inquisitor 1834: Golden Gun by Check
Check seems to be under some pressure. Hope the strains of the festive season aren’t getting to them. 1ac is normal, but Check was coerced into adding some additional difficulty to the puzzle … Read more >>
Guardian 29,262 – Paul
Happy Boxing Day all: I hope you had a good Christmas. Paul starts the Guardian week with a puzzle containing a number of linked answers, as is quite common for him these days. … Read more >>
Independent 11609 / Grecian
Boxing Day’s puzzle has been set by Grecian. We have a strong Christmas theme today with the title and characters from one of Charles Dickens’ most popular book. The characters … Read more >>