Nutmeg on a Monday showing her gentler side.
Independent 9603/Tees
A quick search suggests that it’s over three years since I had a Tees to blog. I was engaged by this offering, so have gone on a bit. Apologies in advance to folk … Read more >>
Private Eye Cyclops/603) Blatant Schemer
Another Trump-ridden grid. I am getting too used to seeing the Donald used in wordplay. A year ago, six months ago even, it provided a new stamping ground for ironic humour. But he’s still there! Somehow. … Read more >>
AZED 2,353
Either I’ve been doing this long enough to actually have improved or… (more likely) this was on the easier end of the Azed spectrum. In any event, finished this off in about an hour (v. fast for me) without overly abusing Chambers.
Everyman 3,692
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3692.
Independent on Sunday 1,430 by Hypnos
I made something of a slowish start here for some reason, but got into the flow of things soon enough. The main holdups were in the top right, with 5 and 11 across … Read more >>
Independent 9602 by Quaiteaux (Saturday Puzzle 22 July 2017)
A rare appearance from Quaiteaux – an unfamiliar setter to me and, judging by a trawl through this site, a first Indy puzzle since November 2015..so welcome back! An enjoyable, eclectic(?) mix – a Greek letter, modern-day … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 27,250 / Puck
Well, I could have ended up with egg all over my face here [not for the first time with a Puck puzzle]. I took my paper with me to solve the puzzle on … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No1286 – Resistance by Augeas
We have an abundance of instruction this week. All but two clues contain extra words. The first letters of these words (and the numbers of the other two clues) give an instruction. Nine ringed cells give a thematic object and surname.
Financial Times 15,607 / Alberich
My second appearance today due to Turbolegs going AWOL. This one came as a bit of light relief after Enigmatist but it was no less enjoyable for that. My progress was steady throughout, … Read more >>
Guardian 27,255 / Enigmatist
The last thing a blogger wants to see on his/her scheduled day is Enigmatist’s name on the puzzle. Not only does it mean a difficult solve, with some complicated parsing, but it also … Read more >>
Independent 9,601 by Phi
When is a crossword by Phi anything other than quietly sound? All the clues here admit of quite simple explanations although of course they’re not always all that easy to solve in the first place.
Definitions underlined and in maroon.
Independent 9600 / Wiglaf
It’s Wiglaf’s turn in the Thursday slot this week and it’s six months since we last blogged one of his puzzles. We found this one as tricky as his previous offerings, but … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,606 by WANDERER
A pleasant challenge that took longer to blog than to solve.
Guardian Cryptic 27,254 by Tramp
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27254.