The newest kid on the Quiptic block returns with an enjoyable challenge to start us on the cryptic week.
Independent 9159 by Alchemi
I found this to be challenging for a Monday with a mixture of easy and tricky clues. I had a couple of minor quibbles but it was mainly sound with some occasionally complicated … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 26,813 by Rufus
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26813.
Beelzebub 1,354
A reasonably swift solve this week, with a couple of tricky moments that had me relying on Chambers. 14 across could have been PEBI or PEBA if you hadn’t heard of it (I … Read more >>
Everyman 3619/14 February
A Valentine’s Day puzzle from Everyman. Apologies for the late appearance of this, but I was busy on the 14th being romanced by shedloads of attractive and rich fifty-something divorcees, which took my … Read more >>
Azed 2280
I couldn’t find my original copy when I came to write this, so have solved the puzzle twice. Of course it was a bit easier the second time round, but (as far as … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,356 by Hoskins
A good straightforward puzzle. Thank you Hoskins.
Guardian Prize 26,806 by Puck
Another characteristically witty offering from Puck, with lots of story-telling surfaces.
Independent 9152 by Klingsor (Saturday Prize Puzzle 13 February 2016)
An enjoyable and diverting puzzle from Klingsor this week – no fancy theme or Nina, as far as I can see anyway! Some nice clue surfaces and a wide variety of clueing devices … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1212: Star Quality by Kcit
What kind of ‘qualities’ of which type of ‘stars’ is Kcit presenting for our enjoyment here? Celestial bodies, sporting stars, movie stars – or the kind of sub-lebrity flotsam that washes up on the … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,168 by ALBERICH
Just the usual from Alberich … innovative, riveting and an excellent cliffhanger of an experience. Need i say more …
Independent 9,157 / Phi
After the recent announcement about the Indy’s exclusively online future, it is hard to know what future lies in store for its crosswords. I for one have my fingers and toes crossed that … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 26,811 by Paul
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26811.
Financial Times 15,167 by AARDVARK
An enjoyable challenge with some great surfaces.
Guardian 26,810 / Boatman
A clever themed puzzle from Boatman, with some intricate wordplay and some ‘innovative’ anagram indicators, together with some, for me, rather loose definitions. I think there may be some protests about obscurity or … Read more >>