Guardian 24965 – Boatman
What a challenging puzzle this has been even thought there was an evident mini-theme. I had to check Chambers at least five times for new words that I have never seen before and … Read more >>
Month: March 2010
Guardian 24964 / Rufus
A quick solve for me, but with lots of smiles along the way, as usual with Rufus’s puzzles. Across 1. REFUSAL (FARULES)* 5. ANAEMIA Cryptic definition 9. NATAL Double definition 10. PATRIOTIC Cryptic … Read more >>
Independent 7310 by Glowworm
*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def, DD=double def, sp=spoonerism This was one of those puzzles where I spent more time working out the logic behind some of the answers than I did filling … Read more >>
Everyman No. 3311 (14th March)
Lorraine: Straight forward Everyman this week, as always very enjoyable. Nick: We got married on Wednesday 17th (just gone), so a couple of pictures – hope you all don’t mind! Lorraine is in … Read more >>
Azed 1972/SOLVED (7)
I have several crossword ambitions, very few of which I’ll actually achieve. E.g. finish the T2 quick crossword in the annual top 10, an all-correct Listener year, win a Times clue competition and… … Read more >>
Guardian 24,957 (Sat 13 Mar)/Crucible – Made to measure
Solving time: About 20 mins plus another day for 4dn An impressive 15 thematic answers were crammed into this, not to mention the pleasingly symmetric answer at 13,19,22ac which hints at their link … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 905 – Management by Samuel
I found this to be one of the hardest EVs for quite some time. Even though I got the theme fairly early on from 31ac, quickly confirmed by 12ac, it took a while … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1,047 (14/03/10)
The usual top-quality puzzle, perhaps a little easier that the last couple of toughies we’ve had. *=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, cd=cryptic definition, dd=double definition. Across 1 UPSPEARED – (PAPERS DUE)*. 11 ERNE – … Read more >>
Independent 7,308/Phi
I found this to be one of the hardest Phi puzzles we’ve had in a while, eventually having to give up with 4 clues unsolved. There are a few obscure words in here … Read more >>
Financial Times 13338 / Viking
I had a great time with this puzzle. Not as hard as Viking usually is, but with lots of clever wordplay. Thank you Viking. Across 1 SELF-CLEANING (LENS IF GLANCE)* A nice &lit … Read more >>
Guardian 24962 – Rover
Perhaps those who disliked the three previous “thematic” puzzles this week will have enjoyed this one. I have to say my heart sank when I saw it was a Rover, and solving it … Read more >>
Independent 7303 (Sat 13-Mar) Tyrus
How do you refer to your Significant Other? Tyrus reminds us of a few choice expressions with perhaps the notable omission of “She Who Must Be Obeyed”. Across 6 SPOT-ON T[ime] inside SPOON … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1116: ? by Hypnos
Once a year, on average, two like-minded friends (I and A) and myself (K) meet for an IKA weekend of crosswords and beer. This year we chose to meet in my home town, … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,337 / Crux
A rather work-a-day puzzle, I fear. 1A provided an easy entry, and then gravity pretty much took care of the remainder. 11A raised a smile, but I was underwhelmed by 18D on a couple … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1048 by Quixote 14 March 2010
Another enjoyable, well clued puzzle from Quixote. The south-west corner took longest, for no good reason – just couldn’t think of the right words for a while. H was pleased to see ‘demotic’ … Read more >>