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 27,397 / Paul

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An entertaining puzzle from Paul to brighten a very dull morning. A medley of some easy charades [8ac and 13dn] and insertions  [9ac and 5dn] and some very neatly crafted clues [15ac 14dn and … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 27,370 / Paul

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I was away for a long weekend in Copenhagen when this puzzle was published and didn’t get round to tackling it until mid-week. At first read through, it was not looking promising and … Read more >>

Guardian 27,366 / Pasquale

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A fairly typical puzzle from Pasquale, with the customary unfamiliar or half-forgotten word or two thrown in to challenge us – but all, as ever, meticulously clued and therefore ultimately solvable. Thank you, … Read more >>

Guardian 27,359 / Rufus

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Another Monday medley of double and cryptic [one or two not very] definitions and some neat anagrams from Rufus, all with lovely smooth surfaces, as usual. Thanks to him for the characteristically genial … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 27,346 / Paul

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I blogged Paul’s last Alphabetical puzzle and began my preamble with, ‘It’s always good to see an alphabetical puzzle in the Prize slot…and this proved to be a satisfying challenge.’ I can say … Read more >>

Guardian 27,350 / Picaroon

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It’s ages since I blogged a Picaroon puzzle, so I was particularly pleased to land this one. I found it rather easier than usual – there are several straightforward charades, for instance – … Read more >>

Guardian 27,343 / Orlando

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What a delight to find Orlando’s name on the puzzle this morning, after such a long time! It’s also a relief: I blogged his last puzzle, well over a year ago, on the … Read more >>

Guardian 27,336 Tramp

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A typical Tramp themed puzzle, in that knowledge of the theme is not essential for solving it [apart from 12ac] but some familiarity with it provides icing on the cake and sometimes a … Read more >>