I found this tricky. I thought Artexlen has been going out of his way here to deliberately obscure as much of the puzzle as he can, or at least as much as he can and still getting it published in the FT. Thanks Artexlen.
Month: August 2017
Guardian 27,283 / Vlad
I’m always pleased to see Vlad’s name on a puzzle – but the pleasure is mixed with some trepidation when it’s up to me to blog it! There were one or two gentle … Read more >>
Independent 9629 / Gila
This is the first Gila puzzle we have blogged, although we have enjoyed all the previous offerings, including the Inquisitors. This was an interesting puzzle, but we have a couple of queries on … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1503: Obeying a Rule by Eclogue
Obeying a Rule by Eclogue Preamble: Every clue is OBEYING A RULE whereby each definition, in whole or in part, is disguised by a one word anagram containing an extra letter. In clue … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,282 by Qaos
Lots to like – 25ac was a favourite
Independent 9,628 / Radian
Radian has provided today’s cruciverbal challenge, the first of his puzzles that I have blogged in a while. Crime and punishment is the theme that runs through this puzzle, with references (both direct … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,634 by ARMONIE
Relatively undemanding stuff from Armonie today. Very Tuesday FT-ish.
Independent 9,627 by Vigo
An enjoyable outing from Vigo of moderate difficulty.
Guardian 27,281 – Rufus
Only three cryptic definitions today, and three doubles (or possibly 4+2). With mostly straightforward constructions in the other clues, I got through this very quickly, Thanks to Rufus … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 927 Moley
An easy enough Quiptic. Thanks to Moley. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Waste material is in decline (6) REFUSE : Double defn: 2nd: … , an invitation, say. 4 Disturbed, … Read more >>
Private Eye (Cyclops/605) Horrific clown
Thankfully not quite so much Trumpery in this puzzle. We seem to have a run of Eye puzzles lately where many answers fell into the grid quite quickly leaving few to do after … Read more >>
Azed 2357
In contrast to my usual method of solving Azed over Sunday breakfast, I did this one intermittently while on a walking holiday on Scotland, so it’s hard to tell how its difficulty compares … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,434 by Kairos
A few unfamiliar bits and bobs to get to grips with this week. All very fairly clued though, so I think everything was manageable in the end. Across 1 STAR Expression of annoyance … Read more >>
Everyman 3,696
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3696.
Independent 9626 / Anax
This turned out to be an easier solve than we had expected, given Anax’s reputation, and the fact that it’s a Saturday puzzle. We were however held up by a few unusual words … Read more >>