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 25,663 / Paul

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I found this a bit of a struggle, but richly rewarding – Paul at his best and worthy of a Prize puzzle. There are some real gems here, in a cleverly-woven mini-theme – … Read more >>

Guardian 25,653 / Rufus

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Rather a mixed bag from Rufus today; some of the cryptic definitions are not very cryptic but, apart from that, there are some neat clues, with good story-telling surfaces. Happy Bank Holiday, everyone!  … Read more >>

Guardian 25,650 / Tramp

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Another great puzzle from Tramp, with the hallmarks we have come to recognise and appreciate – witty and ingenious cluing, fine story-telling surfaces and interesting references. Previous Tramp puzzles have had themes based … Read more >>

Guardian 25,644 / Gordius

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The usual Gordius mix, I think. Across 1   INVOICE: simple charade of IN [fashionable – yet again] + VOICE [singing] 5   GOODBYE: anagram [trip] of BODY and EGO: the clue actually indicates that … Read more >>

Guardian 25,639 / Chifonie

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A typically straightforward puzzle from Chifonie, with a preponderance of charade-type clues and insertions and a wide use of single-letter abbreviations. Chifonie is known for his smooth surfaces and there are some good … Read more >>

Guardian 25,629 / Rufus

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There are some clever clues here, mixed in with some rather tired ones. Nothing too taxing for a Bank Holiday and several to raise a smile. Thank you, Rufus. Across 1   PACIFIC: double … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 25,622 / Shed

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A rather more straightforward puzzle than usual from Shed, I thought,  particularly for a Prize, although there seems to be a consensus that the Saturday puzzles are generally less of a challenge these … Read more >>

Guardian25,625 / Paul

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Another fun puzzle from Paul, with amusing surfaces and ingenious cluing – several laugh out loud moments, especially at 11ac. Many thanks, Paul, for the entertainment! Across 1   SHIATSU: anagram [difficult] of THIS … Read more >>

Guardian 25,620 / Araucaria

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A reasonably straightforward puzzle from Araucaria, with a trademark long answer to help things along and some nice constructions to boot. Very enjoyable, I thought. Across 1,5   ROBINSON CRUSOE: ROBINS [birds] + ON … Read more >>

Guardian 25,615 / Puck

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I thought this puzzle was great fun – lots of smiles and ‘aha’ moments along the way. Many thanks, Puck, for a very enjoyable and entertaining end to a wet week.     … Read more >>

Guardian 25,605 / Rufus

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A fairly typical Rufus mix of anagrams, double definitions and cryptic definitions – except that several of the cryptic definitions are rather less cryptic than usual. Across 1   WELL OFF: WELL [oil producer] … Read more >>