Eileen

I’ve been doing cryptic crosswords since university days, learning how with a group of friends in coffee breaks. The Guardian crossword has been part of my life for most of the time since. Since retiring from teaching (originally Classics and, subsequently, when that was dropped from the curriculum, mostly English and History), having serendipitously stumbled on 15², I discovered that I could get the Indy and FT puzzles online and so I now add those, when they are set by my favourite compilers. Occasionally, I try the Genius and have even submitted a few. (Some years ago, I won a Collins dictionary in the Guardian Prize lottery, which established it as my referred reference.) I don’t take note of solving times: I enjoy taking time savouring the construction and particularly the surface of clues and always feel slightly disappointed when I finish too quickly. My one regret is my complete failure to enthuse any member of my family with cryptic crosswords.

Guardian Prize 28,063 / Puck

by

‘Special instructions’ [in this case, ‘Wordplay in 15 clues lacks something crucial in one form or another’] usually make me wince slightly – and especially when I’m blogging! As it happened, I fortunately … Read more >>

Guardian 28,067 / Paul

by

My apologies for the late blog: when the theme penny did finally drop, it entailed a bit of research! Paul sets today’s challenge – and a challenge it was! I woke up at … Read more >>

Guardian 28,053 / Nutmeg

by

I do love Nutmeg’s puzzles and this one more than lived up to expectations in wit, elegance and ingenuity. I’ll leave you to name favourites. Many thanks to Nutmeg. Definitions are underlined in … Read more >>

Guardian 28,044 / Paul

by

After two successive Saturday Prize puzzles by other setters, it was a surprise to see Paul turn up today. All pretty straightforward, I think – thanks, Paul. Definitions are underlined in the clues. … Read more >>

Guardian 28,037 / Crucible

by

It’s Crucible today, with a themed puzzle right up my street. I know the theme won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I hope there’s enough wit and ingenuity in the clues to … Read more >>

Guardian 28,023 / Qaos

by

Hurrah on two counts from me today: a puzzle from one of my favourite setters and I managed to see the theme – although it would have been quite hard to miss. I … Read more >>

Guardian 28,016 / Vulcan

by

Back to typical straightforward Monday fare today – thanks, Vulcan. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 7 Game one would want to exclude? (8) DRAUGHTS Cryptic definition, alluding to draught excluder 9 … Read more >>