As it was the 2,400th Azed, I was expecting a thematic or more challenging crossword, but instead we were offered a fairly gentle Azed.
Year: 2018
Independent 9883 by Serpent (Sat 16-Jun 2018)
I don’t think I’ve ever attempted a Serpent puzzle that disappointed. This one certainly didn’t. Sometimes I look at a blog I’ve done after it’s published and think: Cor blimey. That doesn’t give … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1333 I Had a Job by Samuel
A puzzle based on the “I had a job …” joke. “It was ….” being the punchline. Also extra letters in the down clues spell out a further job, with its punchline to … Read more >>
Guardian 27,531 / Paul
We got a bit stuck on this right at the end, partly because of having a wrong but plausible answer for 18a – I suspect a few other people will have had the … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,885 by BRADMAN
A difficult challenge from BRADMAN today made more so due to an error in grid numbering. A few new words in the puzzle to boot, made for a different solving experience than the last offering from this setter.
Guardian 27,536 / Arachne
A treat from Arachne to end the week. Perhaps a less tough challenge than some of Arachne’s puzzles but with beautifully-crafted and witty clues aplenty, as ever, and much to enjoy. Many thanks … Read more >>
Independent 9882 / Phi
Phi-day again and another well-crafted puzzle from our regular setter. We have failed to spot Phi’s themes over the past few weeks (well, they have been a trifle obscure), but we were … Read more >>
Independent 9,881 / Klingsor
Klingsor has provided today’s cruciverbal workout, as he often does on a Thursday. I thoroughly enjoyed this puzzle, which I found to be of medium difficultly and very high in the entertainment stakes. … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,535 by Paul
Very enjoyable with some excellent surfaces and clever cluing – favourites 13ac, 14ac, 23ac, 25/4, 26ac, and 16dn. Thanks to Paul
Financial Times 15,884 by ALBERICH
The puzzle can be found here.
Financial Times 15,874 by Rosa Klebb
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of June 2, 2018
Financial Times 15,883 by AARDVARK
Much easier to guess the answers than explain them. I think Aardvark does this deliberately, but he always leaves enough showing to get started solving the clue, if you know where to look! Thank you Aardvark.
Guardian 27,534 – Vlad
As usual with Vlad, there are a few easy clues to soften us up for the rigours to come: no walkover, but perhaps the impaling was less severe than with some of his work. Thanks to Vlad.
Independent 9880 / Eccles
I have blogged a few Eccles puzzles recently and have no complaints about working on another one. There is one clue where I’m struggling with the wordplay That’s the one for … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1545: Up by Schadenfreude
Schadenfreude provides the Inquisition this week. The preamble told us that clues to nine answers lack a common definition. the three unclued entries when unjumbled provide a link to the … Read more >>