A delightful and difficult challenge from Alberich today. Classic pareto solve for me – last 20% of the clues took 80% of the solve time.
Guardian Cryptic 28,068 by Picaroon
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28068. An excellent puzzle from the devious Picaroon. For an uncomfortably long time I was staring at the grid with only four or five lights filled, but … Read more >>
Independent 10,414 by Phi
Although there is one whose explanation defeats me, most of this crossword from Phi was easier than sometimes and of course was of the usual high standard. 8dn is beyond me I’m afraid. … Read more >>
Guardian 28,067 / Paul
My apologies for the late blog: when the theme penny did finally drop, it entailed a bit of research! Paul sets today’s challenge – and a challenge it was! I woke up at … Read more >>
Independent 10,413 by Serpent
Serpent gets the old grey matter stirring today. We always expect a bit of a challenge with Serpent’s puzzles and this was no exception, although we didn’t find it quite as tricky as … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,411 by NEO
A beginners’ level puzzle from Neo in this morning’s FT.
Financial Times 16,401 by Goliath
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of February 15, 2020
Independent 10,412 / Punk
Somewhat unusually, Punk is occupying the Wednesday slot this week. Whatever the reason for it, it was a pleasant surprise to discover one of his puzzles, since I haven’t had the pleasure of … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,410 by REDSHANK
Another elegantly crafted puzzle from Redshank. Thank you. ACROSS 1 CANDELABRA Where tapers are balanced unsteadily by artist (10) anagram (unsteadily) of BALANCED then RA (Royal Academician, artist) 7 WEAR Conflict over East … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,066 by Brummie
Solved this from the outside in, with the longer clues going quite quickly one after another. Favourites were 16ac, 2dn, 4dn, 9dn, and 23dn. Thanks to Brummie.
Inquisitor 1634: Desperation by Kruger
Well, I found this pretty taxing, Kruger. The general theme became clear quite quickly with 24 across having only one possibility once a reasonable number of answers had been filled in. However, parsing … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,409 by FLIMSY
All relatively straightforward, as is traditional for a Tuesday FT, but…
Independent 10411 /Crosophile
Crosophile is a fairly regular Independent setter who provides well clued crosswords, sometimes with a theme. I don’t think there is a theme today. If there is one, I haven’t … Read more >>
Guardian 28,065 – Nutmeg
The rather strange grid, combined with four long multi-light answers, leads to an unusually small number of across clues Good fun as always from Nutmeg, though, so thanks to her. … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,058/Hectence
Hectence is a long-standing setter of the Quiptic and can always be relied on to produce an easy-end puzzle that fits the bill for those new to cryptics. This was a pleasing and … Read more >>