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 27,701 / Picaroon

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I haven’t blogged on Boxing Day before and I was quite surprised to be reminded that there is a paper today. After a most enjoyable day yesterday, I have no social commitments until … Read more >>

Guardian 27,688 / Brendan

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What a lovely Monday morning surprise, to find a puzzle by Brendan, after a nine-month absence!     A puzzle that couldn’t have been more up my street. I had only three across … Read more >>

Guardian 27,679 / Boatman

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A blog posted in haste and with fingers crossed, together with my apologies for its late appearance. I was having great problems all day yesterday with my newly-installed router and at bedtime I … Read more >>

Guardian 27,672 / Arachne

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There’s no one better than Arachne to brighten up a grey November day. Another super puzzle from the Spider Lady, brimming with clever clues and witty wordplay / definitions / surfaces – replacement locks, … Read more >>

Guardian 27,665 / Brummie

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An enjoyable puzzle from Brummie this morning.   Brummie’s puzzles often contain a theme. The answers here cover a wide range of topics but I can’t see a connection. Of course, that doesn’t … Read more >>

Guardian 27,656 / Nutmeg

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Another beautifully-crafted puzzle from Nutmeg to round off a generally good week. As usual, there are lots of witty, elegant clues – I’ll pick out 12, 14, 16 and 27ac and 4 and … Read more >>

Guardian Prize 27,633 / Boatman

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My first reaction on seeing the name on this puzzle was, ‘That’ll teach me to complain about having so many Paul Prize puzzles to blog!’. The ‘Special instructions’ [which always make my heart … Read more >>

Guardian 27,635 / Picaroon

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  A highly entertaining puzzle from Picaroon, with the usual meticulous cluing and interesting and witty surfaces, with misdirection all over the place. Most enjoyable – many thanks to Picaroon. Definitions are underlined in … Read more >>

Guardian 27,628 / Pan

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A near-perfect start to the week, I thought, from Pan.     I really enjoyed this puzzle, with its meticulous cluing and meaningful and often witty surfaces throughout. My only quibble is the … Read more >>