Inquisitor 1650: What…! by Nimrod
A Nimrod puzzle from our esteemed Editor, so not likely to be a pushover! The complicated rubric read: The final grid represents an early scene in a work of fiction involving three individuals, … Read more >>
Year: 2020
Guardian Cryptic 28,161 by Brummie
A classic Brummie puzzle? Certainly, the theme was classic(al). At least eight of the answers were the names of symphonies, although technically I think the Alpine is a symphony in name only. I … Read more >>
Independent 10507 / Serpent
It’s a Tuesday so there is going to be some sort of theme. As it’s a Serpent puzzle it is likely to be a challenging solve as well. Serpent certainly … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,503 by ZAMORCA
I very much enjoyed this morning’s challenge from Zamorca. The right level of not-too-easy. Zamorca has put together some admirably witty clues. Some of my favourites include 5a (quiet diplomacy), 19a (celebrity status), … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,074/Anto
Anto has the Quiptic for us this morning. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed definitions … Read more >>
Independent 10,506 by Harold
I've not come across Harold before and I found this a strange mixture of very easy clues and clues that I really struggled with. 3D was one of those annoying CD type clues … Read more >>
Private Eye (Cyclops / 678) Wealth, Unexplained
Solving kicked of quickly with 1A proving to be a write-in for me. The rest of the puzzle wasn’t so easy, only a couple of others cold solved, most others gettable with 1 … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,160 by Vulcan
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28160. Vulcan’s usual plethora of CDs and DDs, one of each that I thought particularly successful (the long ones, 2D LABOUR CANDIDATE and 7D LOCH NESS MONSTER). … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,581/Tees
I’m having more interaction with Tees than I am with my own children these days. Once again one of his puzzles arrives on my watch, which is no great hardship for me – … Read more >>
Everyman 3,843
The Observer crossword from Jun 7, 2020. Another enjoyable Sunday offering from Everyman, perhaps a bit more demanding than usual (especially in the SE)? First one in: 6dacross (that’s a surprise!), last one … Read more >>
Azed 2504
Azed gives us our weekly trawl through some of the little-used words in Chambers Dictionary. I found this puzzle a bit harder than many Azeds I have blogged, but I … Read more >>
Independent 10,505 by Nimrod
Grey skies and precipitation – must be June. A tussle with Nimrod beckons. If the setter’s name wasn’t enough to switch on the locked down grey cells, there are lots of clues referring … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1437 Double Entry by Jaques
Straight clues and 9 clashes to find and resolve into one of two options based on three answers to clue the correct option. Definitely one for lovers of crossword clues rather than those … Read more >>
Guardian 28,153 / Paul
I think this puzzle is a masterpiece. The surface reading of every excellent clue in Paul’s D-Day themed puzzle is evocative of the D-Day landings or the allied troops advancing across Europe. Brilliant … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,501 by BRADMAN
A tough challenge from BRADMAN today. Had to go hard at it over a couple of sittings and still needed the internet’s help on a couple of clues. FF: 9 DD: 9 ACROSS … Read more >>