Guardian Saturday Puzzle 28,303 / Paul
Paul returns to the Saturday slot after a three-week absence. On my initial skim through the clues, I was rather daunted by the frequency of ‘number’ in often very succinct clues, and so … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,308 by Philistine
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28308. Quite a quirky crossword, with some amusing definitions-that-aren’t, and three (count ’em) more or less cryptic definition clues. ACROSS 1 BEER GUT Result of having a … Read more >>
Independent 10,654 by Phi
The usual thoroughly satisfying crossword from Phi. He must produce these very quickly, yet they are always beautifully crafted. Definitions in maroon, underlined. Anagram indicators in italics. Phi hardly ever has less than … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,651 by WANDERER
An absolute delight of a challenge from WANDERER this Friday, with some refreshingly new devices in play. Thanks WANDERER. FF: 10 DD: 7. Starting this week, I will also mark my FOI and … Read more >>
Guardian 28,307 / Imogen
I had a mild attack of the collywobbles yesterday when Trailman said, “Must be the turn of Enigmatist tomorrow” – but it turns out to be Imogen offering the challenge this morning. As … Read more >>
Independent 10,653 by Serpent
Serpent tests the old grey matter today. As expected, this was quite a challenge, but a very satisfying one, with the usual great clues, good surfaces and crafty misdirections. We always expect a … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,650 by LEONIDAS
My first Leonidas. I have never come across Leonidas before, so didn't know what to expect. After a slow start, I soon got onto his wavelength and really enjoyed the solve. The setter … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,640 by Mudd
Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 21, 2020 A somewhat challenging puzzle from Mudd this time. I worked through most of it with just a little difficulty but got stuck for … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,649 by AARDVARK
A few nicely disguised definitions in here… Thank you Aardvark Looks like a pangram but I haven’t checked. ACROSS 1 MICRONESIA Nomadic Romanies overwhelming outwardly idyllic archipelago (10) anagram (nomadic) of ROMANIES contains … Read more >>
Independent 10,652 / Tees
Tees is occupying the midweek slot with a medium-difficulty and rather topical puzzle. I particularly enjoyed the references to current affairs in this puzzle at 6, 01/17/27 and 8. Incidentally, the expression at … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,306 by Anto
A quick solve with many fun clues and a couple of trickier parsings – I particularly liked 13ac, 21ac, 8dn, 21dn, and 23dn. Thanks to Anto ACROSS 9 IN CAHOOTS Comedian taken … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1674: Getaway by Gila
Definitions in eight clues contain a misprint; correct letters spell a thematic location. Extra letters produced by wordplay in 26 further clues give a thematic quote, made by an individual whose name provides … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,648 by SLEUTH
A very satisfying Tuesday puzzle. Mostly straightforward, but with several head-scratching definitions. I had second thoughts about e.g. 25a and 7d, two which I would probably have mis-solved if I hadn't been blogging. … Read more >>
Guardian 28,305 – Qaos
I was able to solve this very quickly, helped by a lot of straightforward clues and by… …the theme, which I was lucky to spot early on from 8a, confirmed by 14a: it’s … Read more >>
Independent 10651 / Dalibor
It’s over a year since I blogged a Dalibor puzzle, so it’s good to get another opportunity. As I finished the blog, I realised that it was a Tuesday, so … Read more >>