Wednesday July 8th at 2.10pm on Channel 4, I will be occupying the challenger’s chair on Countdown.
YORK SLOGGERS & BETTERS 2026
Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th October 2026
Inquisitor 1966: Roadtrip by Elpenor
Elpenor sets this week’s IQ – is this a new setter or a joint effort by some of our regulars?
Independent 12401 / Mev
MEV challenges us in the Independent today.
Financial Times 18,419 by BOBCAT
I usually find Bobcat clever but accessible, but for some reason, I found myself struggling from start to finish on this one. The clues were fairly constructed, so I am not sure what the disconnect was.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 30,052 by Qaos
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/30052.
Spectator 2757: Obit VIII by Pabulum
This week’s Spectator blog covers Obit VIII by Pabulum.
Independent 12,400 by Stamp
Many apologies for the lateness of the blog
Guardian 30,051 / Caius
A new name in the Cryptic slot today – welcome, Caius!
Financial Times 18,418 by ARTEXLEN
ARTEXLEN kicks off the week…
Financial Times 18,417 by Mudd
Puzzle from the Weekend FT of July 4, 2026
Gemelo No. 39
Apologies for the late blog…
Guardian Quiptic 1,389/Anto
Anto is this week’s setter, with a sound Quiptic to test out newer solvers and entertain others.
Financial Times Sunday 152 – World by Sleuth
Geographically themed cruciverbal fun from Sleuth, available to solve online or download and print at ft.com/crossword
Independent on Sunday 1,897/Filbert
As usual with this setter’s puzzles, it took me two goes to finally wrestle it to the ground. But an enjoyable challenge, with a range of subject matter to keep you interested.
Everyman 4,158/28 June 2026
A PDF of this puzzle can be found at https://tinyurl.com/Everyman4158
Guardian Genius 276 by Pangakupu
Pangakupu challenges us with the June Genius puzzle.