Monday Prize Crossword / Jan 9, 2017
Only my first FT blog in the new year. At some point, I was expecting a Carte Rosee (like in previous years) but ….
Month: January 2017
Financial Times 15,441 by Dogberry
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of January 7, 2017
Financial Times 15,450 by JULIUS
More of the good stuff form Julius. I have to say that his CDs don’t really grab me, but apart from that what more could I ask? Thank you Julius for another super puzzle.
Independent 9,443 by Dac
A slightly strange crossword, in that it was rather harder than a normal Dac to begin with and for some time very little was filled in, but by the end it was just the same as ever — not too demanding at all but right up to the usual standard of smoothness and elegance.
A quick glance at the clues shows that more often than not ‘in’ is a link-word rather than a sign of inclusion’. Perhaps this was what initially held me up.
I wasn’t all that happy with 1dn and may be missing something.
Definitions underlined and in maroon.
Guardian Cryptic 27,097 by Qaos
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27097.
Inquisitor 1472: Non-returnable by Kruger
An Inquisitor puzzle from Kruger, who is now closing in on Lato and Loda as the third most prolific setter of Inquisitor puzzles since the rebranding 10 years ago. Preamble: This puzzle … Read more >>
Guardian 27,096 / Crucible
I’m always glad to see Crucible’s name on a puzzle, especially when I’m blogging, and this one was no disappointment. I can’t see any anniversary or event to occasion a puzzle on the … Read more >>
Financial Times 15449 Sayang
Thanks to Sayang for a not too difficult puzzle, though there was one solution which required help from Gaufrid (thanks, Gaufrid). Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1, 4 Crimping her can … Read more >>
Independent 9442 / Hoskins
Well, almost halfway into ‘Dry January’ (not for us, fortunately) and Hoskins comes up with a booze-based puzzle! We really enjoyed this one, and admired the way that Hoskins has managed to … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 896/Pan
Pan usually sets us an accessible Quiptic, but I have to say that I struggled with this today. Nothing unfair, but if beginners were expecting a gentle one, this probably wasn’t it. … Read more >>
Independent 9441/Daedalus
I didn’t enjoy this one very much, but I think it’s well-known that I have never been on Daedalus’ wavelength. Many will have appreciated it, no doubt, so looking forward to some comments … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,095 by Rufus
A nice start to the week with Rufus’s trademark smooth surfaces. Favourites were 1dn and 17dn – thanks, Rufus.
Everyman 3,665
Sunday rolls round and the reliable Everyman. You can find it here
Independent on Sunday 1,403 by Peter
I got off to a flying start but the last few took a while to get and explain. Thank you Peter.
AZED 2,326
No printing errors! At least none that I can see, thank you to whoever has taken up the challenge. I found this pretty hard, especially the top half of the grid. I would be interested to hear how others found it. Thank you Azed for a great puzzle with some very interesting words.