Sunday rolls round and it’s off to the pub with the dog for beer (me) & biscuits (dog)
Independent on Sunday 1,757/Hoskins
One for fans of Harry in sex, drugs and alcohol mode. Nearly two-thirds of the clues make reference to one of the trio of pastimes. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad … Read more >>
Amoeba – plain puzzle for S&B York 2023
A plain puzzle (with a twist in the tail) by Amoeba – the puzzle can be downloaded from here. The top and bottom rows of the grid spell out RHUBARB and CUSTARD – … Read more >>
Amoeba – “Routine Work” – puzzle for S&B York 2023
A themed puzzle by Amoeba – a PDF can be downloaded from here. The instructions tell us: Five pairs of solutions have no definition. The remaining clues each contain a redundant word. When … Read more >>
Independent 11,559 by Serpent
Don’t forget to put your clocks back tonight! You’ll have more time to do puzzles that way. Unless you’re like a friend of mine who saves time by not changing his clocks twice … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 29,207 / Maskarade
Remarkably, given my very weak knowledge of the subject, I spotted the theme of this very enjoyable puzzle from Maskarade … … the theme being famous cricketers: AMISS – Dennis Amiss COOK – … Read more >>
Cyclops 764 – Orgasmic Cynicism
Apologies for the lateness and the brevity of this blog…I had it all set up and nearly ready on the train up to York…and I was about to finish it off at the hotel when I got the call of ‘Pub!…’ from kenmac…and who am I to disobey our great leader…
Financial Times 17,554 by Zamorca
Puzzle from the Weekend FT of October 21, 2023
Financial Times 17,559 by JASON
A challenge from JASON with a wide range of clue difficulty
Guardian 29,212 / Brendan
It’s been seven weeks exactly since Brendan’s last appearance, so it’s a treat to see him rounding off the week. I love solving Brendan’s puzzles but, when blogging, there’s always the frisson of … Read more >>
Independent 11,558 by Phi
It’s the end of the week and all is well – we have a Phi puzzle to solve and blog.
York S&B puzzles
There will be quite a few special puzzles for the event, copies of which will be available at The Fox and Roman on the day. We often find that we have printed copies … Read more >>
Independent 11,557 / Bluth
Bluth’s latest puzzle has been provided for our cruciverbal delectation this Thursday morning. As always with this compiler, the puzzle proved fairly challenging and provided head-scratching and entertainment in equal measure. I think … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 29,211 by Picaroon
Lots to like today – some of my favourites were 1ac, 10ac, 12ac, 25ac, 26ac, 1dn, 5dn, 19dn, and 22dn. Thanks to Picaroon for the puzzle.
Financial Times 17,558 by HAMILTON
Hamilton makes a rare Thursday appearance.