by Tom Johnson aka Maskarade and Gozo
Today, February 16th, marks the centenary of the birth of John Galbraith Graham who compiled crosswords under the pseudonyms of Araucaria for the Guardian and Cinephile for the Financial Times.
Month: February 2021
Quiptic 1,109 by Pan
A slightly harder Quiptic today, with a few unusual words and definitions, but still enjoyable.
Independent 10,715/Knut
I’ve not had a Knut puzzle to blog for ages, so was pleased to see his name on today’s. You’ll always get a breezy and contemporary offering from this setter, and I very … Read more >>
Private Eye (Cyclops / 695) Pianola Strings
There should be more pianolas in the world. 10a Pianola was my first in from the clear anagram and cheeky definition. A schoolfriend’s mum had a pianola and I loved playing it. Everybody … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,710 by ZAMORCA
A neat ZAMORCA to start the week…
Guardian Cryptic 28,369 by Brendan
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28369.
Everyman 3,878/7 February
A pleasing puzzle from Everyman which hits the spot of being tractable but still of interest to more experienced solvers. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1616 Tees
Thanks to Tees. (Looks like I’m locked in to Tees on my blogging Sundays, but no complaints.) Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1. Rich cake found back in imperial Ceylon (6) … Read more >>
Azed No. 2,539 ‘Printer’s Devilry’ – Competition Puzzle
A difficult puzzle, but I enjoyed the challenge. This is not a cryptic crossword, but nonetheless a puzzle well worth attempting if you like word games in general. Thank you Azed.
Independent 10,714 by Monk
A snowy Saturday in February brings a puzzle from Monk. It also marks my 250th blog. Monk is one of the setters I am pleased to see composing the day’s puzzle – when … Read more >>
Guardian Prize No 28,362 by Paul
An alphabetical jigsaw, said by Paul to be inspired by his hero, John Graham (Araucaria) who would have celebrated his hundredth birthday in the next couple of weeks, but sadly died a few years ago now.
Independent 10,713 / Phi
Today is Phiday, so here he is with his latest puzzle, rounding off another mid-week series. I found this to be an enjoyable puzzle, about medium-difficulty for a Phi, and compiled using a … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,708 by JULIUS
A solid challenge from Julius to round off the work week. Thanks Julius. Today is also CNY, so to those celebrating, Gong Xi Fa Cai !!
Guardian Cryptic 28,367 by Picaroon
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28367.
Guardian 28,366 / Matilda
A straightforward and enjoyable puzzle from Matilda. The clues are well-crafted, with smooth and witty surfaces and apt definitions. Matilda’s puzzles sometimes have a theme or a Nina but I can’t see … Read more >>