Provis’s turn to provide our Quiptic diversion.
Guardian 27,006 / Imogen
In my blog of the last Imogen puzzle a month ago, I commented that it was rather less of a challenge than usual and that some of the clues were rather bland. Not … Read more >>
Independent 9351/Vigo
I enjoyed this one from Vigo. She’s put together a tidy puzzle in the old Monday style. Some very good surface readings. A bit heavy on charades and insertions, but for a crossword … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,005 by Rufus
Ran into a few unfamiliar terms, but got there in the end. Favourite clues 20ac, 26ac and 16dn – thanks, Rufus.
Azed 2312/Out of order
I found this Azed carte-blanche variant (a “jigsaw”) in which clues are given in alphabetical order of answers rather difficult — mainly, because I pecked at it sporadically throughout the week without a concerted burst … Read more >>
Guardian Genius 159 / Jack
Jack provides the puzzle for my biannual Genius blog We were told that ten solutions contain a slice of 2, not included in the wordplay of their clues. The first clue … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1389 Poins
Thanks to Poins for an enjoyable Sunday puzzle. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Stop in cobbled side street (6) DESIST : Anagram of(cobbled) SIDE + ST(abbrev. for “street”). 4 Indifferent … Read more >>
Everyman 3651
Charades and insertions mostly this morning from Everyman. Which for an entry-level puzzle is fair enough. But only one full anagram, cluing a word I could only vaguely remember. Abbreviations … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 26,998 by Paul
Another fine puzzle from Paul, with perhaps more obscure words than usual.
Independent 9,350 by Nimrod
Presumably this is my comeuppance for recently suggesting that Saturdays were getting easier. We have an unusual grid stuffed with a great number of very unfamiliar terms, at least to me. There’s a … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1244: 3 Down by Serpent
In a crescendo of coincidence, or a planned plethora(?), Serpent/Jack has had four puzzles out in the last month or so, across four different outlets – a Saturday Indie, which I also had the … Read more >>
Independent 9,349 / Phi
It is customary to close the working week with a puzzle from Phi, and this week is no exception to that. I found this to be towards the easier end of the Phi … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,359 by REDSHANK
A witty masterclass from one of my favorite setters – thanks REDSHANK for a delectable offering this Friday morning.
Guardian Cryptic 27,003 by Brendan
Loved this…
Financial Times 15,358 by NEO
A sting in the tail?