The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3696.
Independent 9626 / Anax
This turned out to be an easier solve than we had expected, given Anax’s reputation, and the fact that it’s a Saturday puzzle. We were however held up by a few unusual words … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 27,274 / Philistine
It was a pleasure to see Philistine’s name on the Prize puzzle, after a week of excellent crosswords – not so challenging as he can be but very enjoyable all the same. … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No.1290 – Good Auspices by Charybdis
‘In GOOD AUSPICES, answers to unclued entries in single-digit positions are thematically related; those at 11 (so they say) belong to a later set. Unchecked and mutually cross-checking letters of these unclued entries could spell WIND IS UP – I HALT DOZINGS. A seven-letter word which might be seen during the transition must be appropriately coloured (in whatever manner), as must two linked identical squares of four cells each. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.’
Independent 9,625 by Phi
This seemed to be a much harder Phi than usual. Once done it all seemed simple enough, as witness the simple parsing of almost all the answers. But in many cases the ‘synonyms’ that we had to find in the wordplay were not at all obvious. All perfectly fair, though.
The difficulty also was exacerbated by the large number of clues that required some sort of subtraction; at a quick count I found seven of them.
Guardian 27,279 – Puck
Some general knowledge needed today…
Financial Times 15,631 by ALBERICH
A thoroughly enjoyable, not too difficult challenge from Alberich. Several clues with excellent construction, in my opinion. A couple of words that I didnt know but were clued quite cleanly. Thanks Alberich, for a pleasant workout.
Independent 9624 / Anglio
This is Anglio’s 9th Indy puzzle and the fourth of his that we’ve blogged. As with his previous offerings, there are excellent surfaces, crafty definitions and plenty of misdirections. The grid was … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,630 by PETO
This puzzle can be downloaded at http://im.ft-static.com/content/images/0bb26890-7888-11e7-90c0-90a9d1bc9691.pdf
Guardian Cryptic 27278 Brummie
I was a bit slow getting into it, but it turned out alright. Thanks to Brummie. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 8 Red, filthy dung-filled town (8) BURGUNDY : Anagram of(filthy) … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,621 – Falcon
Monday Prize Crossword / Aug 7, 2017
No surprise to have another Falcon this week.
Immaculately clued crossword at the easier end of the FT spectrum.
Financial Times 15,620 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 5, 2017
Financial Times 15,629 by GAFF
Fab puzzle from Gaff. It is a shame that I was very late starting this blog and I didn’t have much time to sit around and appreciate the quality, but it stood out regardless. Thanks Gaff.
Independent 9,623 / Punk
Today has brought a rare Wednesday outing for Punk, and an even rarer occasion for me to blog a puzzle by one of my favourite setters. I found this one not that difficult … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,277 by Tramp
the puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27277.