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 29,444 / Tramp

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I’m always pleased to see Tramp’s name on a puzzle, especially when I’m blogging it. I hope some of those who have felt a bit battered by some of the puzzles lately will … Read more >>

Guardian 29,437 / Brummie

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Brummie puzzles continue to appear quite thick and fast – but that’s an observation rather than a complaint. I haven’t detected a theme but, as always with Brummie, that doesn’t mean there isn’t … Read more >>

Guardian 29,423 / Vulcan

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Vulcan slips into his fortnightly Monday slot, with a generally benign puzzle to start the week. There’s the usual mix of anagrams and double definitions to help things along. The top left corner … Read more >>

Guardian 29,414 / Paul

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I was quite surprised to see that it’s five months since I blogged a Paul puzzle. (Please read through to the end of this preamble!) From time to time, I comment that a … Read more >>

Guardian 29,409 / Imogen

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I’m standing in for scchua today, as Imogen rounds off the weekday puzzles in fine style. An enjoyable challenge, with a good mix of clues, including a couple of less familiar words. Brilliant … Read more >>

Guardian 29,407 / Sphinx

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I have not even attempted, let alone blogged a Sphinx puzzle before – and when I consulted the 15² archive, I remembered why. This setter’s previous puzzles have been themed on a BBC … Read more >>

Guardian 29,400/ Brummie

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It was only last week that I began my blog with ‘It was something of a surprise to see Brummie’s name for the third time in ten days’ – Brummie’s really working overtime! … Read more >>

Guardian 29,393 / Brummie

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It was something of a surprise to see Brummie’s name for the third time in ten days but no complaints here. Brummie’s puzzles often have a theme but I haven’t spotted one today. … Read more >>

Guardian 29,384 / Pangakupu

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Pangakupu fills the Thursday slot this week with an enjoyable challenge. I’ve said in previous blogs that it has taken me a while to get onto Pangakupu’s wavelength. Either I’m getting used to … Read more >>