Posted by Pete Maclean on 23rd September 2010
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of September 11
Here’s another clever Cincinnus puzzle. Some of the clues seem so easy (to construct, that is), even fairly obvious clues for the words in question — but they are really not. And I know of no compiler who comes up with as many of these as Cincinnus does. Take for example 12A (HEAT) with its fine surface reading, 20 A (BIG GAME), 25A (SKIN) and 23D (CHECK).
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Posted in FT | 3 Comments »
Posted by Simon Harris on 22nd September 2010
It’s never a hardship to blog a Dac, but I thought this one in particular was a bit of a classic. There’s some really inspired stuff in there.
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Posted in Independent | 15 Comments »
Posted by Gaufrid on 22nd September 2010
I’m not sure what to say about this one. I have been unable to justify 7dn and have a few minor quibbles elsewhere. On balance, I don’t think I enjoyed this puzzle as much as previous offerings from this setter.
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Posted in FT | 4 Comments »
Posted by Eileen on 22nd September 2010
A challenging but rewarding workout from Enigmatist, as is to be expected, with one or two really straightforward clues to give a bit of a foothold. I’ve learned another new word today at 14ac but I don’t foresee an early opportunity to use it in conversation. 
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Posted in Guardian | 34 Comments »
Posted by duncanshiell on 22nd September 2010
We were told that single extra letters in each clue’s wordplay spell out a quotation and its author. Three illustrative examples (4), 36(8) and 40(8) are basic; three (9), (7) and (5) form a symmetrical shape; and two (6) and (6), beginning at an X (in the grid) are identically shaped. All eight must be highlighted.
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Posted in Inquisitor | 5 Comments »
Posted by Agentzero on 21st September 2010
Nothing too tough here, except that the explanation for 3 down eludes me. 5 down was amusing, and many of the clues had fine surfaces. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in FT | 2 Comments »
Posted by Ali on 21st September 2010
Apologies for the late blog. I wasn’t expecting to see Anax though mercifully this didn’t turn out to be quite as tricksy as some previous offerings from this very entertaining and talented setter. A relatively easy clue for the theme at 28A was admittedly a big help, but it wasn’t all plain sailing and I did need some help on the musicals and songs. Very good stuff all told, and extra points for 15D! Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Independent | 14 Comments »
Posted by Uncle Yap on 21st September 2010
When, as usual, I quickly read through all the clues before I start solving, I could not help but notice a common thread of drinks and drunks; just my cup of tea, if you will pardon the mixed metaphor … and Boatman did not disappoint with his wide array of creative and testing devices forming a rich tapestry of delightful clues. One of the best puzzles I have had the privilege to blog.
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Posted in Guardian | 37 Comments »
Posted by NealH on 20th September 2010
*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism
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Posted in Independent | 17 Comments »
Posted by petebiddlecombe on 20th September 2010
Turning a comment from Don Manley on a certain other blog into a posting, there’s an auction in progress for a spare ticket for the Azed lunch in Oxford this Saturday – see this announcement for details. The auction closes at 9 a.m. BST tomorrow (Tuesday).
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Posted in Announcements | No Comments »
Posted by Big Dave on 20th September 2010
A relatively straightforward solve for my first review on this site. Not one of my favourite puzzles, but only one or two minor niggles.
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Posted in Guardian Quiptic | 10 Comments »
Posted by mhl on 20th September 2010
A nice puzzle to start the week with. There are three clues which have rather tricky words in them (9a, 3d and 7d) but otherwise I think this should have been pretty straightforward. I particularly enjoyed three of the simpler but very elegant clues: 19a, 23d and 25a.
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Posted in Guardian | 23 Comments »
Posted by Handel on 19th September 2010
We made rather heavy work of this one, and had to resort to aids to get the last couple (21ac and 6dn). There were lots of very well worded clues here, and that’s probably what made us struggle as much as anything – a number of readings seemed possible in many cases. 15dn was very clever, so that’s our COD. 5dn was another very neat one, which has only just clicked as we’re writing this. In retrospect this was a really solid, challenging puzzle, so thanks to Quixote. Hope to see some of you at the Azed tribute on Saturday!
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Posted in Independent | 1 Comment »
Posted by The Trafites on 19th September 2010
Lorraine: Nice puzzle to solve this week, nothing to taxing for a Sunday morning. Should Otello in 4 across be Othello? Thanks Everyman.
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Posted in Everyman | 10 Comments »
Posted by ilancaron on 19th September 2010
By swapping blog duty with Peter, I think I accidentally managed to avoid Azed 2000 which I suspect will be more than the run-of-the-mill challenge.
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Posted in Azed | 6 Comments »