Nothing really to say. The usual excellent display of sound clue-setting from Azed. I can’t understand what is given in the paper and on the site as 33ac but is really 35ac, but no doubt someone will explain.
Definitions underlined and in maroon.
Independent 9236 / Anax
With only a handful of entries during my first pass through the clues I thought I was going to be in for a bit of a slog and so it proved – but … Read more >>
Guardian 26,884 / Paul
We normally find Paul’s crosswords a breeze, but got very stuck on this one… I think there was a combination of things that made this tough for us – a few words that … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1225: The Eminence Grise by Gaston
Gaston’s last puzzle (no. 1191, Briefing Received) had the I before E rule/exception as its theme. I remember enjoying that puzzle, especially the highlighting which gave a large I and E in the … Read more >>
Guardian 26,889 – Paul
A bit of a toughie from Paul today, with some quite devious wordplay. Those not familiar with cricketing terminology might have extra difficulty. Fortunately I got 22a early on, and liked the different … Read more >>
Independent 9235 / Phi
Well, what can I say about this one? Phi has made his theme fairly obvious (unless I’ve missed something more devious). A rapid solve for me, with the NE quadrant being completed quickly … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,245 by MAGWITCH
A very pleasant challenge from Magwitch following the Pareto principle of 80% of the clues taking 20% of the time and vice versa. Thanks Magwitch for a breeze this fine Friday morning. I think my parsing for 17d can be improved upon.
Guardian Cryptic 26888 Nutmeg
(Please click here for this same blog but with a picture quiz added. Please do NOT post hereinbelow any comment relating to the picture quiz. Thank you.) The last couple of answers to … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,244 by GURNEY
A slow burner from Gurney
Guardian Cryptic 26888 with Picture Quiz
(Please post comments on ONLY the picture quiz hereinbelow. To post comments on the crossword puzzle, please click here.) The last couple of answers to be entered proved to be a challenge. Thanks … Read more >>
Independent 9,234 / Scorpion
Scorpion has provided today’s lexical challenge. It has been a while since it has fallen to me to solve/blog one of his puzzles. Scorpion has chosen to mark a special achievement with this … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,235 – Dante
Monday Prize Crossword / May 9, 2016
It’s Dante. So, mostly easy-ish. And also ‘that last one in’…. Today it was 15ac.
Financial Times 15,234 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of May 7, 2016
Financial Times 15,243 by FLIMSY
Easy than avaerage for the FT but interesting nonetheless. I enjoyed the surface readings of many of the clues, something that I often forget to look for when I have my head down on a toughie. Thank you Flimsy.
A good crossword for any readers starting out at solving. You can download a PDF of the puzzle here.
Guardian 26,887 / Arachne
A lovely surprise for a wet morning – Arachne in sparkling form with a puzzle brimming with natty devices, witty topical references and stunning story-telling surfaces, along with well-disguised definitions providing many a … Read more >>