“In G&T, clues are given in two groups headed by the two numbered wordplay-only clues. Within each group, the clues are given in the normal order and either the clue (starred), or answer, requires thematic treatment, always involving a single letter. All answers and entries are real words, numbers in brackets refer to entry lengths. Solvers must highlight 11 letters in the completed grid and write two thematic words (10, 8) under the grid. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Guardian 27,997 – Nutmeg
A puzzle of the high quality we’ve come to expect from this setter; not too hard (though I struggled slightly to finish the SE corner), but very satsfying and enjoyable. Thanks to Nutmeg. … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,343 by BRADMAN
Solid workout from Bradman this Friday. Thanks Don.
Independent 10,343 by Phi
Not quite the pleasant solving experience one is used to with Phi, but good nevertheless. Perhaps my lack of enthusiasm is because I found it rather difficult. Help needed please on 26ac. Definitions … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27996 Pasquale
Thank you to Pasquale. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Primate in role, as protection against the enemy? (7) PARAPET : APE(a primate – the mammal that’s not of the clerical … Read more >>
Independent 10,342 by Serpent
Serpent fills the Thursday spot this week. Overall, we found much of this rather less challenging than we have come to expect from Serpent, but one or two clues did cause some head-scratching … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,342 by NEO
Not as difficult as the mini-theme might suggest…
Financial Times 16,332 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 24, 2019
Independent 10,341 / Flitwick
Flitwick, one of the latest additions to the Indy compiling team, has provided this week’s Wednesday puzzle. This is certainly my first attempt at solving and blogging a puzzle set by Flitwick, and … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,341 by JULIUS
Interesting and absorbing to both solve and blog. One clue I can’t explain, so any help appreciated. Thanks Julius. ACROSS 1 BALLROOM DANCING Strictly speaking, FT when not abbreviated? (8,7) I can’t … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,995 by Philistine
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27995. I found this a most enjoyable crossword – witty, inventive, and challenging enough without being too difficult. It has been a while since I last blogged … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1622: by Phi
Invisible Ink by Phi Preamble: Spoiler: highlight the whitespace before the compiler’s name (above) to see the puzzle’s title. Well! What’s that all about? I’ve often wondered if we could ever have … Read more >>
Guardian 27,994 / Imogen
Imogen sets the Tuesday challenge. As usual with this setter, we have a handful of straightforward clues [e.g. 12, 14, 18ac, 2, 15dn] to get us started and keep us going, with others … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,340 by ZAMORCA
A straightforward Tuesday solve from a new setter to me.
Independent 10340 / Maize
Maize is an irregular setter for the Independent appearing just a few times each year. Maize set the wonderful quintuple pangram on New Year’s Day in 2018. The theme present … Read more >>