A relatively straightforward plain puzzle from Azed this week.
Everyman 3706/22 October
Another exemplary puzzle from Everyman for the less-experienced, improving solver. There were two anagrams which I particularly liked in this one. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1444 Hypnos
Thanks to Hypnos for an enjoyable Sunday solve with some nice surfaces. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Trade TUC misrepresented – giving basis for emotional expression? (4,4) TEAR DUCT : … Read more >>
Independent 9686 / Serpent
A great Saturday challenge from Serpent today. As we have come to expect, some excellent surfaces and crafty misdirections and no unusual words. We have a small niggle with 5d, but otherwise … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 27,334 by Philistine
A classically-themed puzzle from Philistine this week.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1300: Those Responsible by Samuel
A puzzle by our Editor this week, starting with the preamble: Answers to 17 clues are too short for the allowed space, and must be entered leaving one or more cells empty; solvers … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,691 by BRADMAN
I found today’s challenge from Bradman on the tougher end of his offerings. Thanks Don, for a relatively strenuous workout.
Independent 9,685 / Phi
Phi is where you would expect to find him today, occupying the Friday slot. I actually found this puzzle to be towards the more difficult end of the Phi spectrum, despite the fact … Read more >>
Guardian 27,339 – Vlad
Perhaps slightly less fearsome than Vlad at full strength, but still some quite intricate parsings, including one of which I almost had to give up on. Thanks to Vlad for the challenging entertainment. … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,690 / Orense
loonapick is having IT problems today so here is a quick analysis of the clues. Apologies for any typos. I have an ocular migraine at the moment and it’s difficult to read what’s … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27338 Crucible
There are some nicely unusual clue constructions in this puzzle. Thanks to Crucible. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 9 I admitted to lethargy, travelling a long way (5,4) LIGHT YEAR : … Read more >>
Independent 9684 / Tees
Tees has presented us with a fairly minimalist crossword today The clues seemed fairly short with basic wordplay in many cases. I counted eight container and contents references where the … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,680 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of October 14, 2017
Financial Times 15,689 by GOZO
This is my 500th blog for Fifteensquared and it is a pleasure to get a Gozo puzzle to solve and explain for the occasion. Thank you Gozo.