Italicus is a setter I haven’t seen before, but there were some excellent clues here. I had a few queries on one or two of them.
Year: 2018
Guardian Cryptic 27,622 by Vulcan
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27622.
Everyman 3,753
The scheduled blogger has not turned up so here is an analysis of the clues with no further commentary because there are other things that I should be doing on a Sunday afternoon. … Read more >>
Azed 2414
A plain Azed this week, one which I found quite difficult to get started There were a couple of clues where the word play eluded me for a while. These were … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,491 by Kairos
I enjoyed this. A bit more meat than the standard Sunday lunch offering. Thank you Kairos.
Independent crossword 9967 by Hoskins
With summer well and truly over – a puzzle from Hoskins is in the Saturday slot. A fun puzzle, a little risque too but in my opinion all the better for that. 22ac … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1347: Remainder by Gaston
A nicely constructed grid and a reasonably challenging puzzle in REMAINDER from Gaston this week… The preamble states that: “This week, a large thematic group are bound for the entry in the central … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 27,615 by Paul
I found this pretty tricky. Usually with Paul once I get into his mindset the answers fly in, but not this time! Thank you Paul.
Financial Times 15,969 by BRADMAN
A tough offering from the Don this Friday. Several new words I learnt along the way – fairly clued so that made the solve reasonably attainable , with only references made with Chambers to ensure correctness of solution.
Independent 9966 / Phi
Phi, as usual, provides the Friday puzzle I feel there is something going on this grid that I can’t quite put my finger on. The word source or sources is … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,620 by Puck
Rhe puzzle may be found ar https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27620.
Independent 9,965 by Morph
Always a pleasure to blog a Morph. As usual he is quite difficult but imaginative and inventive in his clueing.
Definitions in maroon, underlined. Anagram indicators in italics.
Guardian 27,619 / Paul
A fun puzzle from Paul this morning. Nothing too taxing but lots of interesting and innovative cluing, with several smiles to help things along.Thank you, Paul – I enjoyed it. … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,968 by CHALMIE
Don’t be fooled by the first two clues…
Financial Times 15,958 by Rosa Klebb
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of September 8, 2018