As usual we have Phi providing our Friday entertainment – though he’s been popping up on other days lately.
Independent 10,868 by Rodriguez
Rodriguez pops up again today.
Financial Times 16,862 by VELIA
I think this may be the first Velia puzzle I have blogged.
Guardian Cryptic 28,522 by Matilda
An enjoyable solve – my favourites today were 1ac, 9/16, 18ac, 28ac, and 7dn. Thanks to Matilda for the puzzle.
Enigmatic Variations No.1498 – The Australasian One by Eclogue
The preamble
“A letter must fall out wherever it occurs from a thematic (or related) answer in each of the central nine columns, dropping into the bottom row to form THE AUSTRALASIAN ONE which, along with two thematic answers, is not in Chambers Dictionary (2016), which is otherwise recommended. Enumerations refer to grid entries.”
Financial Times 16,852 by Mudd
Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of July 31, 2021
Financial Times 16,861 by GOZO
A puzzle with special instructions today which, depending on your general knowledge, you might find easy or very tricky. Fortunately I was on familiar territory here. Thank you Gozo.
Independent 10,867 / Tees
The mid-week slot has been occupied by Tees this week. I found this to be a medium-difficulty puzzle, which I made steady progress through but found hard to finish and to fully parse. … Read more >>
Guardian 28,521 – Imogen
Quite a tough one from Imogen today, though fortunately with a few easier clues to get me started, followed by a steady slog to the end. Thanks to Imogen. Across 1 AUTUMN … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1710: The Lord and the Lady by Ifor
Complex rubric: Each of 15 clues [none to five-letter entries] contains an extra word having only one letter, sometimes repeated, not present in that clue’s answer. In clue order these letters identify the … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,860 by GURNEY
A short but satisfying solve.
Guardian Cryptic 28,520 by Brummie
Brummie provides this morning’s entertainment.
Independent 10866 / Bluth
A puzzle from Bluth. I am a Bluth fan because his clues generate interesting wordplay and he usually has something quirky in the grid. The puzzle today celebrates the American … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,859 by SLORMGORM
Excellent surfaces from Slormgorm as ever.
Independent 10,865 by Hoskins
An enjoyable puzzle from the reliable Hoskins