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
Independent 12,403 by Ringoe
Ringoe is a relatively new setter for the Indy – appearing roughly once a month – here is this month’s offering!
Financial Times 18,421 by PETO
Peto is the compiler today.
Guardian 30,054: Brendan
Brendan has been showing up a lot lately, which I for one have no complaints about. All his usual ingenuity is on display here, though perhaps with rather more double definitions than some would like. Thanks to Brendan for the puzzle.
Enigmatic Variations 1753 Tomfoolery by Curmudgeon
A quotation clockwise around the grid to deduce and its author. Then five letters to change leving real words. Extra letters from 11 consecutive clues give the last instruction. Not complicated for once.
Independent 12,402 / Jeemz
Jeemz has provided today’s cruciverbal entertainment. It is the second puzzle by this compiler that I have blogged.
Financial Times 18,420 by IO
A fun start to the day from Io.
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…