“Despite being a 13, Gaston works at the 21 (both clued by wordplay only). All other across clues are normal, though four thematic pairs of suitably positioned entries are unclued. Wordplay in all but the final down clue leads to the answer and an additional letter not to be entered into the grid; in clue order these spell out an AIDE-MÉMOIRE to help Gaston remember the correct sequence of unclued entries. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Independent 9,816 by Phi
This was one of Phi’s hardest, I thought, not helped by several words …
Guardian Cryptic 27,470 by Paul
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27470.
Financial Times No 15,819 by Julius
As this was a jigsaw-style puzzle I was unable to use the usual blogging software, so apologies for the layout of today’s blog, and for the lateness of the post. The puzzle was … Read more >>
Guardian 27,469 / Nutmeg
A typically elegant and witty offering from Nutmeg – my thanks to her for an enjoyable puzzle. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 9 Cut, but not polished, when suggested? (5-4) ROUGH-HEWN … Read more >>
Independent 9815 / Knut
A great Thursday challenge from Knut today. Plenty here to get the old grey matter working. Not being football fans, we had to check 18ac but Bert had at least heard of … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,818 by BRADMAN
Played with a straight bat, a safe pair of hands and no tampering. Thank you Bradman.
Guardian Cryptic 27,468 by Picaroon
Tricky, fun, and all perfectly fair – favourites were 18ac, 25ac, 27ac, 2dn, and 20dn. Thanks, Picaroon
Independent 9,814 / Dac
Dac is occupying this week’s Wednesday slot, his spiritual home at the Indy. Dac always delivers a set of clean, crisp clues, with plenty of smooth surfaces in evidence. That said, I am … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,809 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of March 17, 2018
Inquisitor 1534: Unsatisfying by Phi
Note to self: READ THE RUBRIC CAREFULLY! I missed the fifth word of the rubric, equal, which would have helped quite a lot. I noticed it when I had almost finished and used it … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,817 by LOROSO
Hard but fair and very stylish from Loroso this morning.
Guardian 27,467 – Boatman
Phew, that was hard! I’m not always the greatest fan of Boatman’s style, but despite the difficulties in this one I enjoyed it, and found it fairly clued, with some clever devices and … Read more >>
Independent 9813 / Serpent
Serpent has given us a good Tuesday challenge today I was pressed for time when I was solving and blogging this puzzle so I was concentrating hard on each clue … Read more >>
Independent 9,812 by Alchemi
Sorry for the delayed posting, I’ve rather had to rush this in my lunch break today