A themed offering from Boatman
Quiptic 869 by Pan
Pan’s turn in the Quiptic slot this week.
Independent 9279 eXternal
I’ve given up on saying that the Monday puzzle in the Indy is no longer ‘the easy one’. It was, but it isn’t any more. Fair play. I found this pretty hard, and … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 26,933 by Rufus
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26933.
Everyman 3639
Good stuff as usual from Everyman. Apologies for the late appearance of the blog. You’re right: I forgot it was my turn. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1377/Raich
A bit tougher than the usual Raich, I thought. Or perhaps just me still recovering from England’s double exit from Europe, so brain not in gear. That said, there was … Read more >>
AZED 2,300/mishmash
Surprisingly easy — managed most of the puzzle while watching a replay of Germany/Italy. Probably had to make more trips to the chamberpot than to Chambers. Obviously I was distracted since more than a few sloppy parses pointed out by kind commentators!
Guardian Prize 26,926 by Picaroon
An enjoyable challenge from Picaroon this week, with many subtle touches.
Enigmatic Variations 1232: Something Isn’t There by Samuel
On first inspection of SOMETHING ISN’T THERE, I had a touch of the Rumsfelds – there are ‘known unknowns’, and there might well be some ‘unknown unknowns’… Will Samuel be using his weapons of … Read more >>
Independent Crossword 9278 by Serpent
A new setter for me to blog today. How devious is Serpent’s clueing? And is there anything hidden? A very enjoyable puzzle indeed. Some novel clues 10ac and 7dn were unusual but my … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,287 by BRADMAN
A quick puzzle from Bradman this Friday, straightforward for 95% of the grid. A couple of clues were significantly tougher than the average for the crossword and that kept me from a finish that reflected the rapid start. Apologies for the late post, had saved a draft and then got tied up with some errands.
Independent 9,277 / Phi
Another working week comes to an end, with a puzzle by Phi to take us into the weekend. This was a medium-difficulty Phi puzzle, in my opinion. I managed to complete it unaided … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 26,931 by Brendan
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26931.
Guardian 26,930 / Qaos
A lighthearted puzzle from Qaos, with great cluing and witty surfaces throughout. Qaos puzzles usually have a theme and this one was easier to spot than they sometimes are – Guardian crossword setters, … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,286 by GURNEY
Starightforward offering from GURNEY