Independent 10,669 by Dill
A very pleasant and satisfactory crossword from Dill today. On the whole I found it gentle (although perhaps I haven’t seen all its complexities) but the fact that it was usually easy doesn’t … Read more >>
Month: December 2020
Quiptic 1,101 by Anto
As usual, Anto operates towards the trickier end of the Quiptic range, but there are some straightforward clues that should (I hope) get beginners started here. We have some classic crossword tricks (sign, … Read more >>
Independent 10,668 by Vigo
Mostly on the easy side with a couple of exceptions. There might be a theme, as there seem to be quite a lot of food or plant-related items, but I'm not sure what … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,322 by Pan
A fun start to the week – I particularly liked 12ac, 22ac, 2dn, and 6dn. Many thanks to Pan. ACROSS 1 HELIPAD Landing ground needs helium for large computer (7) HE (Helium) … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,665 by ZAMORCA
A gentle start to the week from ZAMORCA A pangram today, which is not unusual from this setter but always welcome. An enjoyable puzzle, merry Christmas everyone, and thanks ZAMORCA! ACROSS 1. Power … Read more >>
Everyman 3,870/13 December
I found this puzzle unsatisfactory on the whole, mainly because of some dubious definitions and unclear wordplay. Your experience may have differed. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad … Read more >>
Azed 2531
The last Azed of 2020 before the Christmas special, and quite a gentle one, I thought. Thanks as always to Azed. Across 1. POGGE Hard-plated fish from … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1608 Poins
Thank you to Poins. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1. Likable general speaking after pressure to confess (8) PLEASING : [Homophone of(… speaking) “Lee”(Robert E., Confederate general during the American Civil … Read more >>
Independent 10,667 by Angel
The puzzle can be found here. Hello and welcome all, with a special welcome to the Indy’s latest new setter, Angel. Angel waltzes onto the stage with a glittering debut, featuring SEQUINS, … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 28,315 by Paul
Paul’s email to his subscribers classed this as 7/10 in terms of difficulty, which seems about right. It took Timon and I an hour and a half to complete the puzzle, and I’m … Read more >>
Independent 10,666 / Serpent
As Phi appeared yesterday, Serpent is occupying this week’s Friday slot. I enjoyed this puzzle and found it to be of medium difficulty by Indy standards. I am happy with my parsing except … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,663 by CHALMIE
A good workout dished by CHALMIE this Friday. Thanks for the treat, CHALMIE! FF: 9 DD : 8 ACROSS 1 MAGNUM OPUS Bottle with boiling soup – great work! (6,4) MAGNUM ( bottle … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,320 by Paul
A difficult solve after a quick start, with several answers entered without fully parsing until writing the blog. Favourites were 8ac, 21ac, 4dn, 5dn, and 17dn. Many thanks to Paul …there is an … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,662 / Redshank
For some reason the scheduled blogger hasn’t been able to be with us today so here is an analysis of the clues. Across 1 Polo perhaps, and where it’s played (8,4) SWIMMING POOL … Read more >>
Guardian 28,319 – Philistine
I enjoyed this, despite there being two clues I can’t parse, one that I think is faulty, and another that seems unfair. No doubt I will soon be enlightened on the first two, … Read more >>