Some of you may have heard that The Independent newspaper has decided to drop the daily cryptic crossword with effect from the end of October 2026. I believe that the last puzzle will appear on October 31st. Incidentally the day before Fifteensquared’s 20th birthday.
YORK SLOGGERS & BETTERS 2026
Important update
Inquisitor 1978: Order, Order! by Arcadia
Arcadia provides this week’s IQ
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,124 by Chandler
A quick solve overall, with several clues taking much longer to parse. My favourites were 20ac, 21ac, and 6dn. Thanks to Chandler
Independent 12473 / Bard
We have a puzzle from Bard today.
Financial Times 18,492 by PETO
A most enjoyable puzzle from Peto today.
Spectator 2769: Order by Madrigal
This week’s setter of The Spectator crossword is Madrigal, who gives us a puzzle entitled Order
Financial Times 18,490 by Neo
Puzzle from the Weekend FT of September 26, 2026
Guardian 30,123: Brummie
Thanks to Brummie for today’s puzzle. Perhaps a touch above the usual Monday difficulty level, but nicely clued as ever.
Independent 12,472 by Lark
A thoroughly enjoyable start to the day from Lark.
Financial Times 18,491 by MOO
MOO kicks off the week…
Financial Times Sunday 164 – News by Julius
The monthly current affairs themed puzzle. Find it to solve online or download and print at ft.com/crossword
Guardian Quiptic 1,401/Pangakupu
A delightful Quiptic from our New Zealand based setter. A solver-friendly grid, clear clueing and some nice twists and turns along the way. I am guessing that this will have hit the spot for many folk this morning.
Independent on Sunday 1,909/Filbert
Another taxing, teasing but tractable puzzle from the Independent on Sunday‘s resident setter.
Everyman 4,170/20 September 2026
I found this quite tough going for an Everyman
Gemelo No. 48
The original puzzle may be found here.
Guardian Quick Cryptic 130 by Budmo
This week’s 11 x 11 crossword from the Guardian intended to teach cryptic crosswords, found here