Independent 10,673 by Vernon
This is Vernon’s first appearance in the Independent, I believe. It’s not an easy puzzle, but there’s plenty to enjoy. There are some obscure words (especially 15a and 23a), and some slightly complicated … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,102/Carpathian
A carefully and concisely clued Quiptic from Carpathian, with nothing to frighten the reindeers. As it should be. It only remains for me to send my best wishes for 2021 to fellow Quiptic … Read more >>
Guardian 28,327 – Vulcan
I made rather slow progress on this at first, probably because of what seems like a large number cryptic and double definitions, but it’s all pretty straightforward in retrospect. Thanks to Vulcan. … Read more >>
Guardian 28,321 / Maskarade
We found this a very enjoyable Christmas puzzle, with the themed clues consistently cleverly done – thanks, Maskarade! The rubric for this puzzle read: Twenty-eight clues lead to solutions that include a theme … Read more >>
Everyman 3,871
The Observer crossword from Dec 20, 2020 Everyman in a festive mood – food and drink aplenty! I counted 14 clues with a ‘culinary’ surface. Apart from the four long ones around the … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,609/Tees
I’ve been saying for years that there’s far too much football in the Indy, but no-one – least of all the editor and the setters – has been listening. It’s got to stop. … Read more >>
Independent 10,672 by Bluth
This is the first Bluth puzzle we have had the pleasure of blogging We really enjoyed the solve, although it was a little easier than we have come to expect for a Saturday … Read more >>
Independent 10,671 / Rodriguez
My apologies for the late posting of what began as a very rudimentary blog of a very entertaining puzzle by Rodriguez, whose work I have limited experience of solving and blogging. I have … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1465: Change by Piccadilly
Christmas approaches and we have a puzzle entitled Change from Piccadilly. All entries need to be changed before entry as described by the extra letters from the wordplay in the across clues 2020 … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,669 by IO
I think I may need to go back to bed and have a lie down! My brain hurts! This was tough – very tough. I think I have all the right answers in … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28325 Paul
Thank you to Paul for the seasonal offering. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, all. Across 7. Drug, one fuelling a short run (7) ASPIRIN : I(Roman … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,658 by Artexlen
Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of December 12, 2020 We are starting to see a lot of Artexlen in this space. My favourites in this puzzle are 10ac (UNTENABLE), 15ac (GALLANT), 22ac … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,667 by JULIUS
A super puzzle, and not as hard as it looks. Thank you Julius. Please ignore the numbers in the grid, I can’t figure out how to get rid of them. “I don’t want … Read more >>
Independent 10670 / Maize
Maize has given us a puzzle with the type of wordplay that I most enjoy. There’s quite a lot of components to the wordplay today as evidenced by the many … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,324 by Crucible
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28324. I found this an excellent crossword. In a previous crossword, I noted Crucible’s penchant for envelopes, with varied indications to fit the surfaces. Crucible also likes … Read more >>