Carpathian is also a regular setter of the Quiptic and the Quick Cryptic, and there are plenty of clues here that would be suitable for beginners, but all nicely done. Thanks to Carpathian.
Andrew
Guardian 29,920 – Harpo
Quite a gentle offering today from Harpo (aka Monk in other places) – thanks to him for the entertainment.
Guardian 29,913 – Philistine
A fun puzzle for a chilly Monday from Philistine, with a couple of his trademark lift-and-separate clues, two nice &lits (aka clue-as-definition or all-in one), and one whose definition may prove controversial. (Or maybe not – it’s been changed.) Thanks to Philistine.
Guardian 29,911 – Omnibus
Another puzzle from the mysterious Omnibus, which is speculated to represent a collaboration of setters. I’m afraid I wasn’t too impressed by this one: there are some quite amateurish and inaccurate clues here. Still, thanks to Omnibus.
Guardian 29,904 – Paul
Some tricky clues in this puzzle, including one that I was unable to parse fully. Thanks to Paul.
(This blog was written rather in haste, sp apologies in advance for any errors – I should be able to correct them later today.)
Guardian 29,897 – Philistine
A typically elegant puzzle from Philistine, featuring his trademarks of medical references and lift-and-separate clues. Thanks to Phlistine.
Guardian 29,890 – Ramsay
A new setter, I believe, to (almost) end the year on (1 across is appropriate). It took me a while to get on the right wavelength, and there were a few clues where I got the answer from the definition but struggled to parse the wordplay. There were some easier clues too, with some helpful anagrams, so a very promising debut.
Thanks and welcome to Ramsay
Guardian 29,884 – Alia
A gentle but elegant puzzle to ease into Christmas week. Thanks to Alia, and best wishes of the season to all.
Guardian 29,882 – Kite
Thanks to Kite for a puzzle that was not too tricky for a Friday, helped by …
Guardian 29,875 – Paul
Another toughie from this setter that kept me on my toes all the way through. Thanks to Paul.
Guardian 29,868 – Brummie
Thanks to Bruumie for today’s puzzle…
Gemelo 16
I’m still finding it hard to get on Gemelo’s wavelength, though in retrospect there’s nothing to cause too much difficulty here, apart from some unfamiliar words (which are part of the fun of these puzzles, so no complaints there). Thanks to Gemelo for the challenge.
Guardian 29,861 – Brendan
Brendan invariably provides a theme, and here it’s in clues, with every single one referring to university activities in one way or another. There’s a little bit of repetition of some elements, but otherwise a typically entertaining puzzle. Thanks to Brendan.
Guardian 29,854 – Vulcan
A puzzle for those who like double definitions – there are no fewer than six here. Otherwise a straightforward Monday challenge: thanks to Vulcan.