A theme of occupations, often very amusingly defined, characterised this puzzle.
Enigmatic Variations 1220: Ring Damascus by Kruger
This was quite challenging (for me, at least) and, if it wasn’t a blogging week, it might have been quietly put to one side and walked away from! I just about managed to … Read more >>
Independent 9,205 / Phi
As custom dictates, it falls to Phi to round off this week’s series of mid-week puzzles. I found this a more straightforward puzzle than the average Phi, on an unusual grid with a … Read more >>
Guardian 26,859 – Arachne
It’s been a while since I blogged an Arachne puzzle, but this was worth the wait, with clever clueing and characteristic wit. Thanks to Arachne. Possible Nina alert: I notice that JENNER appears … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,215 by MUDD
An enjoyable puzzle from Mudd with the usual mix of mildly cryptic to seemingly obscure clues. Thanks Mudd for a pleasant workout.
Guardian 26,858 / Paul
I would say that this is a fairly typical Paul puzzle with some easy entry clues and others that need a little more thought (or even a lot!). A bit of Paul’s trademark … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,214 by REDSHANK
Redshank cheered me up this morning
Independent 9204 / Morph
Morph has given us a puzzle today that was an entertaining solve I thought there might be a sports theme with references to car, prize fight, Leeds United, [PSV] Eindhoven, … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,204 by Goliath
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of April 2, 2016
Independent 9,203 by Hob
A nice crossword from Hob today (what’s happening? no Dac: I wonder why), although I didn’t quite finish it, 24ac and 4dn defeating me. Oh well, I said, it’ll be all right when I do the blog since the answer will appear. It did, and it also showed me that I’d got 19dn wrong — in my opinion perfectly acceptably.
Definitions underlined and in maroon.
Financial Times 15,213 / Monk
An enjoyable puzzle from Monk today – my thanks to him – even if it was towards the easier end of his spectrum (that’s only my opinion of course!). At one time Monk … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 26,857 by Tramp
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26857
Inquisitor 1432: Female Quartet by Schadenfreude
Back to normal (I hope). After last week’s monster, and the confused endgame after a tough solve the week before, a puzzle from Schadenfreude – always firm but fair – is a welcome … Read more >>
Guardian 26,856 / Brummie
One for anagram lovers today was the impression I got whilst solving, but on reflection perhaps not that many more than the norm. I wonder how many of you put in ‘sparrow’ for … Read more >>