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 24,144 / Rufus

by

Another gentle start to the week from Rufus, with the customary combination of double and cryptic definitions and ingenious anagrams. [If anyone was, like me, shilly-shallying before booking for the ‘Meet the setters … Read more >>

Guardian 25,136 / Bonxie

by

Bonxie has given us a very entertaining and ingeniously constructed puzzle, in which all the across clues pick up the last word[s] in the preceding one. Some clever clues and nice misdirection. Across … Read more >>

Guardian 25,126 / Brendan

by

It’s always rather disorientating not to start the week with Rufus but even more so to see Brendan’s name on a Monday puzzle. However, this was more straightforward than many of his, since … Read more >>

Guardian 25,122 / Enigmatist

by

A challenging but rewarding workout from Enigmatist, as is to be expected, with one or two really straightforward clues to give a bit of a foothold. I’ve  learned another new word  today at … Read more >>

Guardian 25,112 / Gordius

by

Pretty straightforward fare from Gordius, with just one or two quibbles, as usual with this setter. There is one explanation that eludes me: I’m ready to kick myself when enlightened! Across 8  ALBERICH: … Read more >>

Guardian 25,102 / Rufus

by

A pleasant Bank Holiday diversion from Rufus, after Saturday’s tour-de-force from Araucaria, with several  smiles along the way. Thank you, Rufus, and a happy holiday, everyone! Across 9   EBULLIENT: BULL [farm animal] + … Read more >>

Guardian 25,098 / Puck

by

There’s much to admire in this characteristically Puckish puzzle, which I found great fun and very enjoyable – a nice variety of clue types and some excellent surfaces: it would have been sycophantic … Read more >>

Guardian 25,088 / Crucible

by

Well, aren’t I lucky, on a day when I might have expected not to be, to land one of my top favourite setters? This is a typically first-class puzzle from Crucible, with nothing … Read more >>

Guardian 25,078 / Rufus

by

A typically straightforward Rufus, with the usual generous sprinkling of double and cryptic definitions and anagrams, with some nice touches. Nothing too controversial, I think. Across 1 CROESUS: anagram of SOURCES: the wealthy … Read more >>