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 27,246 / Shed

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A rare and welcome appearance from Shed, who has always been one of my favourites. I think it’s generally agreed here that Shed’s puzzles are much gentler than they used to be but, … Read more >>

Guardian 27,239 / Rufus

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A bit more of a challenge than usual from Rufus, I thought. There are perhaps fewer cryptic definitions this time but we have the customary neat story-telling surfaces. I have a couple of … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 27,226 / Paul

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It’s always good to see an alphabetical puzzle in the Prize slot – Paul’s second offering, I think, but it may be more – and this proved to be a satisfying challenge. Rather … Read more >>

Guardian 27,230 / Paul

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A fairly straightforward offering from Paul, with the relatively easy long answers at 14,16ac and 1 and 8dn giving some handy openings. Favourite clues: 10, 17 and 26ac Thanks to Paul and to … Read more >>

Guardian 27,216 / Brendan

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An interesting and absorbing literary offering from Brendan today, with ingenious interweaving of clues and elegant and witty surfaces, as ever. Knowing Brendan, I’m rather worried that there may be more going on … Read more >>

Guardian 27,209 / Rufus

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It’s a Bank Holiday but no Monday off for Rufus. A characteristic blend of [some not very] cryptic and double definitions and several really good anagrams, particularly 10 and 18ac and 3dn. Thank … Read more >>

Guardian 27,207 / Paul

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An enjoyable Paul puzzle to end the week. On ‘ordinary’ [non-blogging] days, I go through the clues in order, parsing as I go. This morning, I was slightly worried to realise that I … Read more >>

Guardian 27,200 / Pasquale

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A fairly typical Pasquale puzzle, perhaps less tough than he can be, meticulously clued, as always, which helped with the customary couple of unfamiliar words – and fine surfaces throughout. Thank you, Pasquale. … Read more >>

Guardian 27,193 / Nutmeg

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A characteristically elegant and witty puzzle from Nutmeg. Getting the four long answers early on certainly helped towards a straightforward but entertaining solve. Thank you, Nutmeg – I really enjoyed it. Definitions are … Read more >>

Guardian 27,186 / Paul

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I was surprised to see Paul’s name again this morning, so early in the week, after two Saturday Prize puzzles in a row. However, after 1,26 fell out early on, it became obvious … Read more >>

Guardian 27,179 / Rufus

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Back to normal after the holiday – a Rufus puzzle t0 start the week. The usual medley of anagrams, double definitions and cryptic definitions – perhaps even more of the last than usual. … Read more >>