A lot easier than the run-of-the-mill. Almost as easy as this week’s Listener (OK — last week’s). And Paul’s awesome crossword utility automatically parses the (relaunched) Guardian site’s PDF once again which is nice too.
Everyman 3615
Nothing too much to frighten the horses here, which is how it should be. Mostly charades, insertions and anagrams, but it’s a puzzle for improving solvers, so fair play. Abbreviations … Read more >>
Independent 1,352 by Hypnos
A straightforward puzzle, but said as a compliment. No gimmicks or clever-clever stuff, just straightforward interesting and enjoyable clues. Thank you Hypnos.
Inquisitor Review of 2015 – The Results
Submitted by John Henderson.
Guardian Prize 26,782 by Tramp
It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a Tramp puzzle in the prize slot and this one was certainly worth the wait.
Independent Crossword 9128 by Tyrus (16-01-2016)
Not quite the palindromic date of the new year (have to wait till February for that) but post New Year a duel with Tyrus beckons. Always a pleasure. Some complex wordplay indeed. Two … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1208: Unknown Commitment by Kruger
I don’t know if I am speaking for the other EV bloggers, but to me every fourth EV puzzle is a bit of an UNKNOWN COMMITMENT… What have I let myself in for this … Read more >>
Independent 9,133 / Phi
This is my first Phi-day puzzle as blogger of 2016. Instinctively, I am always rather fearful of grids that do not accommodate any longer, multi-word entries, and indeed today’s grid houses words no … Read more >>
Guardian 26,787 / Imogen
A bit of a challenge from Imogen today – another fine puzzle to end another very good week. A couple of unfamiliar words at 11ac and 3dn but, as always with this setter, … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,144 by FALCON
Falcon is always a welcome setter on Fridays, with his genial offering of puzzles proving to be a not too taxing solve. If I had to pick a quibble, it is that 29 ac wasnt really cryptic in my opinion.
Personally, I doubt there will be one more blog like this, seeing how I am writing this from a labour ward.
Financial Times 15,143 by REDSHANK
A pleasant solve from Redshank
Independent 9132 / Rorschach
Rorschach seems to be one of rarer breed of Independent daily setters with not many appearances to his name in the past couple of years. I think the entries were … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 26,786 by Screw
Screw, as before, provides a tricky and inventive challenge.
Financial Times 15,134 – Armonie
Monday prize Crossword / Jan 11, 2016
It’s been a while since we had Tuesday regular Armonie (aka Chifonie at another place) on the Prize spot. Concise clueing, good surfaces, mostly simple devices.
Enjoyable and relatively easy – although I had some trouble finishing the NE.
Financial Times 15,133 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of January 9, 2016