A surprise to find Pasquale occupying the Quiptic slot this week.
Independent 9423/Hoskins
Frankly, I thought this was a load of guff. In fact, it was a fine puzzle, but did contain a number of references to farting. I’m surprised the setter eschewed the opportunity … Read more >>
Everyman 3663
If I may do a bit of bah, humbug, I thought this was a bit one-dimensional, with the same devices being used lots of times. But if you like multi-part clues, then this … Read more >>
Independent 9422 by Tees (Saturday Puzzle 24 December 2016)
Season’s greetings! Peace on earth and goodwill to all men? Sometimes seems an unlikely prospect, and Tees seems to have a gloomy message in today’s puzzle… …starting with 1A (THE MIDDLE EAST) and … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 27,070 by Paul
Paul at his most libertarian this week.
Enigmatic Variations 1256: Stock Exchange by proXimal
proXimal invites us to take a punt on the STOCK EXCHANGE…will this pay dividends?…will there be a bull or bear market, or a great depression?! The preamble states that: “Twelve clues contain a … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,431 by MUDD
An excellent friday challenge from a familiar setter on the FT but not so much on Fridays. Thanks Mudd!!
Independent 9,421 / Phi
Phi’s latest offering rounds off the working week and heralds the transition to the seasonal jumbos in various newspapers and magazines. It is unlike me ever to spot a theme in a Phi … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27075 Screw
The last couple slowed me down, otherwise a nice one from Screw, to whom thanks. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Kids grabbing parent’s front or back (7) SPONSOR : SONS(kids;children) … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,430 by WANDERER
A rushed affair this morning…
Independent 9420 / Daedalus
Daedalus has featured a few times in the Independent or Independent on Sunday over the past two years but I think this is the first time I have blogged one of his / … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,074 by Paul
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27074.
Financial Times 15,429 by JULIUS
A super puzzle: varied, challenging and entertaining. There is one solution I cannot explain, any help appreciated. Thank you Julius.
Guardian 27,073 / Puck
A typically puckish Puck puzzle to brighten up a dull morning, with lots of wit and misdirection, as usual. Some very straightforward clues [9ac and 17dn, for example] mingled with some [like 7dn] … Read more >>
Independent 9,419 by Dac
What more is there to say about Dac? The surfaces and the accuracy of construction are right up to their usual standards.