Independent 6407/Tees
I thought this was tough in places but lots of fun, with the sort of pop culture theme we only see in the Independent crossword. Not sure about 8D though so suggestions welcome. … Read more >>
Month: April 2007
Guardian 24,064/Audreus – not too hard
A very quick solve (app 8 mins). Most of the clues were very straightforward and the wordplay acceptable. There were a few examples of superfluous linkwords placed in the clue to allow the … Read more >>
Azed 1821 – a tough work-out
Solving time: 59 minutes, with Chambers used after about 30. Although I finished up with a slightly quicker time, I think I understand why last week’s commenter Ali said they were finding this … Read more >>
Everyman 3160/quick solve
Solving time: pretty quickly Not sure how long I took to solve this since I was multi-tasking at the time but I don’t recall any untoward hold-ups. In retrospect not much to comment … Read more >>
Guardian 24,057 (Sat 21 Apr)/Araucaria – A hard day’s night
Solving time: 42 mins; one missing (1ac). A common feature of Araucaria’s puzzles is the inclusion of very long phrases spanning multiple clues with very complex wordplay. This week’s complementary phrases were SOMETHING … Read more >>
Guardian 24,062/Arachne – ducks, drakes and a dragon!
Apologies for the lateness and brevity of this post, but I have already blogged a Times and an Inquisitor today, and submitted a puzzle for publication in a charity newspaper, as well as … Read more >>
Independent 6400 / Monk – oho, aha …
Solving time 22:05 I found this very tough, and was grateful for spotting the Nina – palindromes in the unchecked letters on each edge of the grid – DEIFIED, REPAPER, ROTATOR and REVIVER. … Read more >>
Independent 6405/Nimrod
This one was unusually tough for me, though perhaps that’s to be expected on a Friday and from Nimrod. I felt a little short-changed at only having 22 clues, though at least that … Read more >>
Inquisitor #16/Post Lottery by Loda
Solvers’ hint #1: Check the date before tackling a crossword – sometimes it makes the theme blindingly obvious very quickly.Bloggers’ hint #1: If you take your crossword folder on a plane, complete with … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 897 by Quixote
Some seamless joins between definition and wordplay which misled at first. Solving time: 22 mins * = anagram ACROSS 6 PE DAN TIC 9 WI NONA West Indies and anon = soon reversed. … Read more >>
Independent 6404 by Bannsider
I have less time on a Thursday for crosswords and blogging than on other weekdays and I was mildly concerned to see Bannsider’s name at the top today as I’ve found him among … Read more >>
Guardian 24061/Araucaria – Seasonal games
Solving time: 30’ Whew! I almost got blown away by this one. I’m going to say it again: I don’t see how this can be solved on the tube. I realize, having said … Read more >>
Independent 6403 by Dac
The usual top quality puzzle from this Indy setter with a weekly slot. Solving time: 15 mins ACROSS 1 DO YOU MIND Brilliant stuff 13 MA NANA Refers to 22 = Granada i.e. … Read more >>
Guardian 24060/Brummie — a bit of fun.
Several clues used 12 as the definition in a couple of different ways. I got three card games before I got GAME itself and assumed I was looking for card games, thus PARTRIDGE … Read more >>
Guardian 24,059, Gordius: All bar two
Took me about 20 minutes, except for the last two clues, which I feel could take another week. Offers welcomed for 13 across and 22 down. What with these, and several dictionary words … Read more >>