A plain Azed where most of the answers slotted in readily enough…
Independent 10,385 by Serpent
My run of a trio of Hobs comes to an end with a tussle with the Serpent. Knowing Serpent’s reputation there will be a theme, won’t there? And was there? Indeed there was … Read more >>
Inquisitor Review of the Year 2018-9
Here comes the Bride
So, we now have a possible Round 2 question for Only Connect: What comes fourth in this sequence of Clues:
Guardian Prize 28,033 / Brendan
I count myself lucky to have been asked to step in for mhl, who is on holiday on the other side of the world, with unreliable internet access, to blog a puzzle by … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1417 Time for Action by X-Type
4 unclued entries to determine and a thematic alteration to be applied to a clue in each across row leaving a real word. The downs are all normal Quite a gentle workout, though … Read more >>
Independent 10,384 by Phi
Phi is back to his usual day this week after a brief excursion to the weekend last Saturday The first thing we noticed about the puzzle was the large square in the middle, … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,038 by Paul
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28038. Paul has served up mini-themes of London districts and Prime Ministers this time, with a mix of simple and convoluted wordplay. A fitting end to a … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,382 by BRADMAN
A relatively easy puzzle from BRADMAN today. Thanks Don, for a pleasant workout. And to all who understand this, Gong xi fa cai !!
Independent 10,383 / Loglady
Loglady, with whose work I am not yet that well acquainted, is occupying the Thursday slot this week. I think that I have managed to solve all the clues correctly and unaided, although … Read more >>
Guardian 28,037 / Crucible
It’s Crucible today, with a themed puzzle right up my street. I know the theme won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I hope there’s enough wit and ingenuity in the clues to … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,381 by NEO
Neo steps up to the setter’s plate today.
Financial Times 16,371 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of January 11, 2020
Financial Times 16,380 by AARDVARK
The grid looks like ought to have some theme in there, but nothing obvious comes to mind. Thank you Aardvark. ACROSS 1 IAMBIC Current Australian doctor in charge of feet (6) I … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,036 by Vlad
As often, difficult solve from Vlad – and with some tricky parsing to work out afterwards. Favourites were 24ac, 7dn, and 16dn. Thanks to Vlad.
Independent 10382 / Eccles
Eccles is a regular setter of Wednesday Independent puzzles. He provides a puzzle that usually avoids messages and themes. His puzzles would be a good starting point for solvers getting into cryptic crosswords. … Read more >>