My apologies for the late posting. I won’t comment any further on the puzzle as I cheated to get it finished quickly for the blog. Thanks to frogman for help on some of the parsings.
Month: March 2015
Independent on Sunday 1,307 by Poins
The usual high quality puzzle from Poins, and very enjoyable too. 10 across has me well and truly beaten, though, so your help is welcome there. Across 1 SECOND Back in a mo … Read more >>
Everyman 3,570
Sunday rolls by and my turn at the Everyman
Beelzebub 1305
This must have been my quickest completion of a Beelzebub since I began solving them some months ago. Having said that, it would have been even quicker without 15dn, my last entry, where … Read more >>
Independent Crossword 8859 by Nestor (07-03-2015)
With spring just around the corner a tussle with Nestor beckons. Nestor’s puzzles are always good fun and this one was no exception. He seems to squeeze that extra little bit of crypticism … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 26,513 by Philistine
A fine puzzle from Philistine. My summary is: lots of great clues showing plenty of imagination but NOT appearing gimmicky. Spot on! Thanks Philistine.
Enigmatic Variations No.1163 – Lucas by MynoT
I have a soft spot for puzzles such as this that have clues presented in alphabetical order of their answers. Goodness knows why, when I might end up staring at a blank grid! Perhaps its just that the ‘sort and slot’ technique appeals to the same desire for order as jigsaws.
At any rate, ‘Lucas’ could be a number of things. Isn’t George still flogging the dead horse of Star Wars? Maybe it’s related to that.
Guardian 26,518 / Qaos
It’s been a most remarkable week for crosswords and we end it with one by another of my favourite setters, sparkling with his customary wit and ingenuity. I seemed to be typing ‘anagram’ … Read more >>
Independent 8864 / Phi
Phi has given us an entertaining puzzle to end the working week There were a few unusual words in here, most of which I was able to deduce from the … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,878 by MUDD
A pleasant challenge from MUDD that provided a fine blend of write-ins, deducibles and hard cryptics. Steady progress through the lower half literally laid the foundation for the remainder. By my own standards, if I didnt require much help solving MUDD, it means he is taking it easy on me. Thanks MUDD for this excellent Friday treat.
Independent 8,863 by Donk
What has Donk inflicted on us? This was probably the most difficult crossword I’ve ever done, although many of the clues were very neat. It was completely filled in eventually but I got four answers wrong, and the fact that four of the clues begin “One left” and five of them begin “One right” didn’t help the solving.
Financial Times no.14,877 by Orense
I’m blogging my last for Fifteen Squared today, so I was glad it was an old favourite, Orense, to see me off into the sunset.
Guardian 26,517 by Tramp
Plenty to like here…
Financial Times 14,868 – Gaff
Monday Prize Crossword / Mar 2, 2015
Gaff provided us with a challenging puzzle to mark ‘a musical anniversary’.
Financial Times 14,867 by Mudd
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of February 28, 2015 My clue of the week here is 12a (WINGSPAN). I have some concerns about 27a (ERNE) and 2d (ADVANCE). ACROSS 1 US composer’s … Read more >>