“The definition in all but two thematic clues contains a single misprint that must be corrected before solving, occasionally requiring changes in spacing and punctuation. In clue order, the correct letters give two instructions. For the first, solvers must RING THE CHANGES (23 letters in total: 5,9;5;4). The second relates to letters within the six pre-marked rings, real words being formed; the resultant organisation’s director appears in the unclued entry. In the incorrect letters from misprints, perhaps WE FIND TOP TWENTY, DANCING AND CLASSICAL MUSIC; or CANDID NEWS, FACTS, ACTING, COMEDY – WIT/PUNS IN ALL. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Financial Times 15,679 / Wanderer
A tough challenge today from Wanderer with several new words learnt along the solving process. Very precise cluing as can be expected from the setter. FF: 9 DD: 10 ACROSS 1 CUBIC CENTIMETRE: … Read more >>
Guardian 27,327 / Enigmatist
Simon S gave us advance warning of this puzzle in his comment on Sunday’s Everyman blog – enough to strike terror in the heart of any blogger! This afternoon, John Henderson, Enigmatist is … Read more >>
Independent 9673 / Phi
Some computer problems today, which caused me to do the blog in the old way. Not the usual nice layout with bells and whistles, but you should be able to see what’s going … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,678 / Alberich
Due to the IT issues that loonapick has encountered, here is my analysis of the clues in this most enjoyable puzzle from Alberich. In view of the current time, I will not delay … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,678 – Placeholder
This is a holding post – the online site I use to write the blog is currently unavailable, and I don’t have the time to write it “longhand”. The puzzle is solved and … Read more >>
Guardian 27,326 – Picaroon
A lovely puzzle that I’ve had to blog a bit late and in a rush thanks to technical difficulties. Many favourites including 10ac, 17ac, 3dn, 14dn and 18dn. Many thanks to Picaroon.
Independent 9672 / Tees
A good challenge from Tees today There was a certain amount of General Knowledge needed for this – nothing too obscure though, and all gettable from the wordplay and /or crossing … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,669 – Dante
Monday Prize Crossword / Oct 2, 2017
On a Rufus-free Monday this was the perfect puzzle to turn to for the, I assume, many who missed him.
Financial Times 15,668 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of September 30, 2017
Independent 9,671 / Hob
Hob is occupying the Wednesday slot this week in what we usually consider to be Doc’s spiritual home. Although you could almost solve this puzzle without realising it, this puzzle marks an occasion … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,677 by AARDVARK
Super puzzle, very entertaining. Either Aardvark or I has made a mistake at 4 down. On my previous form it is probably going to be me. Thank you Aardvark.
I am leaving for a holiday now but will make an effort to answer queries if and when I am able.
Guardian 27,325 – Qaos
At one point I had filled in three-quarters of the puzzle, with the NW corner completely blank. I finally managed it, improving my knowledge of massive trip hop artists and Croatian tennis players … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1510: Work by Schadenfreude
Work by Schadenfreude Single letters to be removed from 38 clues before solving (always leaving real words) spell a quotation with one word missing and its originator. Solvers must reveal the missing word … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,324 by Boatman
A Tough Tuesday teaser from Boatman