A challenging crossword from IO.
Independent 12,246 by Stamp
Stamp is here with our mental warm-up today.
Guardian 29,897 – Philistine
A typically elegant puzzle from Philistine, featuring his trademarks of medical references and lift-and-separate clues. Thanks to Phlistine.
Financial Times 18260 by STEERPIKE
Apologies for the very late blog. Thank you to Steerpike. Definitions are underlined in the clues.
Inquisitor 1940: Chocolate Time by eXternal
I feel sure there’s a name for this style of crossword – each of the answers (all 8-letters) entered around a cell indicated by the clue number – but if there isn’t, there should be.
Independent 12,245 by Deri
It’s Tuesday and we have a Deri puzzle to blog.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 29,896 by Alia
Alia is this morning's setter.
Spectator 2,732 – Play it Tough by La Jerezana
An appropriately themed puzzle from La Jerezena.
Financial Times 18,259 by PETO
PETO kicks off the week…
Independent 12,244/Brunel
A beautifully constructed but challenging puzzle from Brunel for the Monday slot.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 29,895 by Vulcan
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/29895.
Financial Times 18,258 by Zamorca
Puzzle from the Weekend FT of January 3, 2026
Financial Times Sunday 126 – World by Gaff
This month’s geographically themed puzzle is brought to us by Gaff. Find it to solve online or download and print at ft.com/crossword
Guardian Quiptic 1,363/Dice
A very quick search suggests that Dice has previously only compiled Quick Cryptics for the Guardian (which are also blogged on Fifteensquared). So a welcome to her in the Quiptic slot.
Independent on Sunday 1,871 by Filbert
Filbert on top form today