The first of Paul’s prize puzzles for 2022.
Month: January 2022
Independent 11,000 / Phi
Since today is Friday, there is no surprise in having Phi’s latest puzzle to grapple with. Incidentally, this is something of a landmark puzzle, being puzzle 11,000 in the Indy series. I found … Read more >>
Guardian 28,654 – Philistine
Good stuff from the Doctor, though I think without any of his trademark “lift and separate” clues. Thanks to Philistine, Across 1 TAILBACK Jam? In tagliatelle? (8)TAIL is hidden BACKwards in tagLIATelle … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,992 by BRADMAN
Friday , and its BRADMAN time, thanks to whom for a gentle tussle.
Guardian Cryptic 28653 Qaos
Thank you to Qaos. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1. Mark with spots led astray installing smartphone program (6) DAPPLE : Anagram of(… astray) LED containing(installing) APP(a computer programme for a … Read more >>
Independent 10999 / Tyrus
Tyrus challenges us this Thursday Tyrus nails his colours to the mast with the clues and entries in this puzzle. However, the puzzle may be a bit tricky for … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,991 by NEO
Neo's todays FT setter.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1520: Consequences by Stick Insect
Hi everybody. Stick Insect has given us a game of consequences – the main consequence being some good old groanworthy word-based fun. Thanks Stick Insect! The preamble reads: Entries to six normal … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,981 by JULIUS
Julius gives us an excellent challenge, with an unmarked grid and clues in random order, with the only help that all the letters of the English alphabet are starting characters at least once in the solve. Thanks for the challenge, Julius !!
Financial Times 16,990 by MOO
Very enjoyable. A good puzzle for those who prioritise surface readings over outright difficulty. Thank you Moo.
Independent 10,998 by Eccles
Another fun Wednesday with Eccles: not too hard, good surfaces, plenty of chuckles.
Guardian Cryptic 28,652 by Crucible
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28652.
Inquisitor 1732: Appropriate by Lato
I was fully expecting Harribobs at this time of year, but instead up pops Lato (as indeed he did last year). Preamble: Nine unclued entries, one of two words and one a … Read more >>
Financial Times 16989 Basilisk
Thank you to Basilisk. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1. Chief police officer connected with sex cases (8) CARDINAL : DI(abbrev. for “detective-inspector”, a police officer) contained in(… cases) CARNAL(connected/pertaining to … Read more >>
Guardian 28,651 / Imogen
I blogged last month’s Imogen puzzle, where I said, ‘Imogen sets the challenge today, with his customary medley of straightforward and some more tricky clues.’ I think that holds good today, too. I … Read more >>