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 27,918 / Vlad

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Vlad provides this morning’s challenge. The puzzle contains trenchant comment, in both clues and answers, on our current woeful situation, in Vlad’s inimitable style. There’s some very clever cluing and ingenious devices – … Read more >>

Guardian 27,895 / Nutmeg

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It’s Nutmeg who rounds off the week, with her customary elegance and wit. Thanks to her for an enjoyable puzzle. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Without prior help, unruly characters … Read more >>

Guardian 27,888 / Puck

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A particularly Puckish puzzle this morning.     I think Puck has had fun exploiting his amusing theme, clearly indicated at 26ac, with his usual wit and ingenuity. I really enjoyed it and … Read more >>

Guardian 27,874 / Qaos

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It’s always a real pleasure to find Qaos’ name on a puzzle I’m down to blog – except there’s always pressure, too. While a number of setters sometimes have themes, we know that … Read more >>

Guardian 27,867 / Pan

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It’s Pan’s turn to kick off the cryptic week, with a puzzle just right for a Monday. I found this quite straightforward, with one or two more unusual words, which were clearly clued … Read more >>

Guardian 27,858 / Paul

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Paul makes his customary weekly appearance on Thursday, since he filled the Prize slot last Saturday. It’s a fairly typical mixed bag, with some straightforward clues to help get us started, together with … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 27,848 / Picaroon

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It’s a real treat to find a Picaroon puzzle to solve on a Saturday and especially when I’m down to blog it. The solving was mostly straightforward, with characteristically meticulous and witty cluing … Read more >>