mhl

Although I had some early attempts to solve cryptic crosswords as a teenager, it was only in my late 20s (and mostly thanks to fifteensquared!) that I became reasonably competent as a solver. However, despite being a slow solver I found that I had a knack for parsing clues, and volunteered to do a weekly blog post on the Guardian crossword. After a few years, I had to drop down to being on the Guardian Prize rota, but eventually found that with two young children to look after, I didn't have time even for that. I'm still hoping to resume blogging more regularly when they're a little older!

Guardian 25,251 / Rufus

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I thought this was a trickier-than-usual puzzle from Rufus, but very enjoyable, as ever. I think my favourite clue here was the simple and elegant 25 across. (I had the great pleasure of … Read more >>

Guardian 25,242 / Paul

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As usual, a very entertaining solve from Paul, with a nice theme that shouldn’t have caused too many problems. (Incidentally, I’m sure we all wish the setter congratulations on his recent engagement!) Across … Read more >>

Guardian 25,237 / Orlando

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Strangely, this is my second Orlando puzzle to blog in two weeks, having met the setter himself in Derby on the weekend in between ðŸ™‚ As usual, this was a very good puzzle – … Read more >>

Guardian 25,227 / Orlando

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A very nice puzzle from Orlando today, although I think many people would think it rather difficult for Monday in the Guardian. I look forward to seeing many of you in Derby on … Read more >>

Guardian 25,223 / Brummie

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Apologies for the late post – I’ve had no free time yet today. I hope I can get the post up in the next hour… OK, an unfortunately rushed post follows below – … Read more >>

Guardian 25,218 / Paul

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A very high quality and entertaining puzzle from Paul – I think this was a nice level of difficulty for a weekday puzzle, and the theme was quite accessible. Lots of good clues … Read more >>

Guardian 25,212 / Bonxie

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A very impressive puzzle from Bonxie, where every down clue and three across clues begin with “Left”. I think there a couple of slightly problematic clues, which I’ve mentioned below, but it’s quite … Read more >>

Guardian 25,195 / Crucible

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An excellent puzzle from Crucible. (I’ve been lucky with two Crucibles in four weeks :)) There’s a mini theme in 3d, 7d, 20d and 21d, but if there’s more to it, I’ve missed that. … Read more >>

Guardian 25,190 / Boatman

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I had somewhat mixed feelings about this puzzle – the surface readings are very nice and there are plenty of inventive and entertaining constructions. However, there are some rather tricky subtractive elements, in … Read more >>

Guardian Genius / 89

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A very nicely constructed crossword, with a “word chain” (missing alternate links) running through the 6 letter answers. The complete chain (with the missing links emphasized) is: 1d BOTHER / HERBAL / 3d … Read more >>

Guardian 25,180 / Brendan

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Sorry for a very rushed post today – there’s part of 22 across that I can’t see, I’m afraid. This was an excellent puzzle from Brendan – my favourites here in particular are … Read more >>

Guardian 25,176 / Crucible

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Crucible’s puzzles are a real treat, but sadly a relatively rare one. As you’d expect if you’ve done this setter’s puzzles before, this was pretty tough, and particularly one for those who like … Read more >>

Guardian 25171 / Arachne

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I found this quite a tricky solve, with some intricate wordplay – looking back at the clues, though, I’m not sure it should have caused me so many problems. I’ll put this down … Read more >>