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 26,369 / Boatman

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An enjoyable puzzle from Boatman – but not really one to have solved and blogged before breakfast! There’s a good variety of clue types and generally smooth surfaces and a few smiles and … Read more >>

Guardian 26,362 / Paul

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A pretty easy-going puzzle from Paul on his [almost] best behaviour. Nicely-constructed, witty clues, with no obscurities – an enjoyable solve. Thanks, Paul. Across 1 Short pronouncement welcomed by second doctor (6) MEDICO … Read more >>

Guardian 26,355 / Imogen

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I have been looking forward to blogging my first Imogen puzzle and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with this one. There are some really good, witty clues here and some misleading definitions. Much of … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 26,340 / Picaroon

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Now this, from one of my favourite setters, is what I call a Prize puzzle – and I’m not talking about the much-disputed difficulty level. For me, there’s a ‘special’ feel about this: … Read more >>

Guardian 26,341 / Rufus

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It’s Monday, it’s Rufus, with the usual potpourri of anagrams and double and cryptic definitions – and the characteristic silky-smooth surfaces, with some smiles along the way. Thank you, Rufus, for a pleasant … Read more >>

Guardian 26,332 / Tramp

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I’d almost given up hope of blogging another Tramp puzzle, as it’s over a year since my last one. This one was, as expected, well worth waiting for. Tramp tells us from time … Read more >>

Guardian 26,325 / Paul

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As Conrad helpfully says, at comment 4,  “Anyone wishing to do this online should use the PDF not the print version. Apart from saying 166 where it means 16 it is fine.” A … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 26,316 / Crucible

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I’m always delighted to see Crucible’s name on a puzzle, especially when I’m down to blog it. I’m always delighted to see Crucible’s name on a puzzle, especially when it’s a Prize.  So … Read more >>

Guardian 26,318 / Shed

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A friendly grid and impeccable cluing, as ever from this setter, are a great help with several less familiar words in this puzzle from Shed, who, for me, doesn’t appear often enough. When … Read more >>

Guardian 26,311 / Rufus

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Another fairly typical Monday 5dn of nifty anagrams and double and cryptic [some more than others] definitions, with, characteristically, some nautical terms for good measure. Thank you, Rufus, for a pleasant start to … Read more >>

Guardian 26,309 / Puck

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I’m used to being delightfully led up the garden path by Puck and this time he did it good and proper – a real double bluff, as far as I ‘m concerned. I … Read more >>