Fifteensquared – Never knowingly undersolved

Dalibor is one of the setters introduced to the Indy stable (some time ago now) by the current editor. I have always enjoyed his crosswords, because they are an intellectual challenge and are always carefully crafted. So I was pleased to get the opportunity to blog this one, which most likely will be his last for this paper.

Puzzles distributed at York Sloggers and Betters 2026

Sat October 24, 2026 at 7:55 amSat October 24, 2026 at 1:00 am by duncanshiell

The York 2026 Sloggers & Betters gathering is being held today.

Twelve puzzles have been distributed at the gathering, but for those crossword enthusiasts who aren’t in York, but would like to attempt one or more of the puzzles, PDF files of all of them can be displayed by clicking on the links below.

Guardian Prize 30140 / Maskarade

Sat October 24, 2026 at 12:01 am by duncanshiell

Maskarade set the challenge for the Guardian prize puzzle this week A bit of general knowledge is always useful when solving a Maskarade puzzle. I learnt something new with this puzzle when I … Read more >>

Listener 4940 Spy by Karla

Fri October 23, 2026 at 4:00 pm by Chalicea

We find Karla’s compilations in the Magpie and the EV and IQ series. This will be his seventh Listener and they have covered a wide range of subjects. Where is ‘Spy’ going to take us?

Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,145 by Yank

Fri October 23, 2026 at 2:13 pm by manehi

Apologies for a delayed and slightly rushed blog. An interesting mix of clues today, and my favourites were 22ac, 23ac, 28ac, and 8dn. Thanks to Yank for the puzzle

Independent 12,494 by Phi

Fri October 23, 2026 at 8:10 am by Bertandjoyce

Is this our last Phi-day blog? We really hope not – but it certainly looks like it at present. Will we have a subscription app or will the i newspaper pick it up? Information on progress will no doubt be available on 225 – watch this space! Let’s hope a solution can be found.

Financial Times 18,513 by ARRIETTY

Fri October 23, 2026 at 4:21 am by Turbolegs

A tricky challenge from ARRIETY

Independent 12,493 / Knut

Thu October 22, 2026 at 11:25 am by RatkojaRiku

Knut has set our Thursday teaser this week. It has been a while since I last blogged a puzzle by this compiler.

Guardian 30,144: Pangakupu

Thu October 22, 2026 at 9:30 amThu October 22, 2026 at 8:54 am by Andrew

Thanks to Pangakupu, who doesn’t seem to have set a weekday cryptic since mid-August (though there have been Quiptics and a Prize from him), so a welcome return.