Andrew

I started off on Everyman in The Observer, and began solving Azed while I was a student at Cambridge (reading maths) shortly after it started. I do the Guardian puzzle most days and others sporadically. In real life I work as a software developer (still in Cambridge), and for non-crossword recreation play the piano and am involved in amateur theatre.

Azed 2656

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Now that the Observer has amended/clarified the rules for submitting Azed solutions we’re going back to publishing the blogs on the Sunday after the puzzle appears. After my first pass through the clues … Read more >>

Guardian 29,074 – Vlad

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As is ever the case with Vlad, a tricky one today, not helped by the unfriendly grid, and more so by my initially entering two plausible but incorrect answers. Slightly bruised thanks to … Read more >>

Guardian 29,067 – Picaroon

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A relatively straightforward and (I think) themeless puzzle from Picaroon today. A certain amount of repetition of a couple of devices, but very enjoyable as ever. Thanks to Picaroon. Across 1 CRIMINALISATION Rule … Read more >>

Guardian 29,060 – Qaos

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A fairly straightforward one today, with one obscure (to me) name helpfully clued. Thanks to Qaos. … and of course we have a theme, in this case words that go with GLASS: I … Read more >>

Guardian 29,053 – Anto

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Anto is never going to be my favourite setter, but this was competently done, though with a few niggles, as noted below. Thanks to Anto. Across 1 FRISSON Father is with child? It’s … Read more >>

Guardian 29,046 – Jack

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Jack, aka Serpent of the Independent and Basilisk of the FT, has set a few Genius puzzles, but I think this is his first appearance in the Cryptic slot. Very welcome too, as … Read more >>

Guardian 29,044 – Paul

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I found this very hard, and was looking at an almost blank grid for what felt like ages. As often happens in such cases, almost everything seems reasonably straightforward in retrospect. Thanks to … Read more >>

Azed 2650

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Yet another masterclass in the setter’s art. Thanks to Azed.   Across 1 AMBUSCADO American rotter appearing in pulpit, delivering surprise attack (9)US CAD in AMBO (a type of pulpit). I originally had … Read more >>

Guardian 29,016 – Vulcan

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A very quick solve for me today – in fact almost a complete write-in. Thanks to Vulcan.   Across 8 ZERO-RATE Assess as having no VAT to pay, nothing to reprove (4-4)ZERO (nothing) … Read more >>