Many apologies for the late publication of this blog: I only realised I was the scheduled blogger when I logged on to fifteensquared on Saturday morning and realised that the blog for last Saturday’s puzzle was missing!
Independent 10,092 by Knut Sat 16-Feb 2019
I have been waiting for another Knut to appear on by blogging rota for far too long. This one does not disappoint. Entertaining and with all Knut’s trademark wit and topicality in full view. … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1368: Two Questions, One Answer by Gaston
Hello everyone. Don’t panic! This was an EV with a theme so perfect for me that I really shouldn’t have fallen flat on my face … The preamble reads: Two separate chains … Read more >>
Independent 10,091 / Phi
In time-honoured fashion, Phi brings this latest string of mid-week puzzles to an end. I found this to be quite a challenge and struggled to complete the NE quadrant, not least because of … Read more >>
Guardian 27,745 / Paul
Predictably, Paul makes his weekly appearance today, since tomorrow is not his turn for his fortnightly Prize slot. Paul is craving a fair bit of our indulgence today, I think, with several of … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,092 by WANDERER
A challenging puzzle today from WANDERER, thanks to whom for a gripping work out.
Guardian Cryptic 27,744 by Crucible
A very quick solve, though there were a couple left unparsed that held me up for quite a while afterwards. Favourites were 2dn and 22dn. Thanks to Crucible.
Financial Times 16,091 by ORENSE
Orense provides today’s challenge.
Independent 10090 / Morph
Morph has set a good sound puzzle that seems free of messages, gimmicks or themes. There are a couple of Brexit allusions in the clue and a mention of Trump, … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,081 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of February 2, 2019
Financial Times 16,090 by IO
Phew this was tough! Very enjoyable but the name Io still strikes fear into a blogger’s heart. This time I got away with it, but only just!
I am away up in the Highlands today but will try and get back to the blog if I can get a signal. Thanks Io.
Independent 10,089 by Tees
As befits Wednesday, a very pleasant and fairly gentle crossword from Tees today, with a large number of clues that can be explained in a single short statement. Tees has a habit of stretching one’s literary-type knowledge to the limits, but not here so far as I can see. I shouldn’t have thought that Sherlock Holmes was particularly outré.
Definitions in maroon, underlined. Anagram indicators in italics.
Guardian 27,743 – Picaroon
A typically enjoyable Picaroon puzzle, with a few tricky moments, but in general fairly straightforward. Thanks to Picaroon Across 9. CHIPOLATA Dash at a clip round horse, … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1580: Blank Face by Gila
I’ve blogged 3 of the last 4 IQ puzzles from Gila, and he ranks pretty highly in my estimation. The grid looks a little daunting (no bars, no clue numbers), to say nothing … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,089 by FALCON
A fairly straightforward solve for a Tuesday, though with a few less common words to keep us thinking.