This is the fifth Guardian Quick Cryptic, a series of 11 x 11 crosswords designed to support beginners learning cryptic crosswords. The whole point of these crosswords is support and encouragement of new solvers, so special rules for these crosswords apply – see here. The puzzle can be found here.
Month: May 2024
Private Eye (Cyclops / 777) Subversive Brainwave
They’re fighting on the streets … … and there are enough subversive extremist factions in this puzzle stirring up trouble. Any despotic ruler in the territory is probably loving it, always best for … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,719 by Rosa Klebb
Puzzle from the Weekend FT of April 27, 2024
Guardian Prize 29,368 by Maskarade
I hope I’m not being controversial if I say that this was an easier than usual Prize puzzle (but with a lot more to it than first appeared!).
Independent 11,720 / Phi
Phi’s latest puzzle ushers in the weekend, as custom dictates. I found this to be a tougher than normal Phi crossword, not least on account of the more unusual items of vocabulary used … Read more >>
Guardian 29,373 – Tramp
Some well-concealed definitions and other bits of trickery made this seem harder that it appears in retrospect. Very enjoyable – thanks to Tramp. Across 1 PLAUDIT Praise? It follows Dua Lipa regularly … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,724 SOLOMON
A new setter for this Friday's treat. Thanks Solomon for the workout!
Guardian Cryptic 29372 Fed
Thank you to Fed. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1. Group of golfers wearing small jumpers possibly getting temporary replacements (8) STOPGAPS : PGA(abbrev. for “Professional Golfers Association”/group of golfers) contained … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,723 GUY
Guy is today's FT setter.
Independent 11719 / Wiglaf
A puzzle by Wiglaf today, a setter I find quite challenging. Thursday sometimes has a theme and this is the case today. We had Suzi Quatro as a theme on … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1639: Switch by Piccadilly
Piccadilly is looking to SWITCH jobs this week – hopefully just the ‘day job’, and not the puzzle setting…
Independent 11,718 by Eccles
Wednesday wit from one of our most regular and reliable setters.
Financial Times 17,722 by GOLIATH
A chewy challenge from Goliath.
Guardian Cryptic 29,371 by Paul
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/29371.