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 25075 / Orlando

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I’ve mentioned a couple of grumbles below, but overall I thought this was an enjoyable (and mostly quite easy) solve Across 9. IMPEL I = “one” + M = “mile” + PEL[t] = … Read more >>

Guardian 25070 / Enigmatist

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As usual, a tough but entertaining and clever puzzle from Enigmatist. I can’t parse a couple of them, I’m afraid, so please help out in the comments below if you understand them. (Resolved … Read more >>

Guardian 25,060 / Rufus

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A very nice crossword, with Rufus’s usual wit and smooth surface readings. The only difficulty was one word (11a) that was unknown to me, and difficult to guess from the anagram fodder. Across … Read more >>

Guardian 25,056 / Paul

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I found this tough compared to most of Paul’s puzzles – fun to solve, though. I’m afraid I don’t understand how 6 down works and I’m not sure about my explanation for 26, … Read more >>

Guardian 25,036 / Rufus

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As usual, good stuff from Rufus – smooth surface readings, clever constructions and plenty of smiles from the cryptic definitions. (Apologies for any errors – I’ve had to do this post very fast … Read more >>

Guardian 25,027 / Paul

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It’s always a pleasure to do a post here about one of Paul’s puzzles. Some excellent clues here, my favourites are hopefully obvious from the post below. I didn’t find this too difficult … Read more >>

Guardian 25,022 / Araucaria

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Notes on this crossword below… Across 1. SECULARISATION (LAURA IS)* in SECTION = “part” 9. NAMEPLATE NAME = “Christen” + “South American river” = PLATE; the definition is “in brass at the door” … Read more >>

Guardian 25012 / Rufus

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Lots of excellent clues in today’s Rufus. I made quite heavy weather of this by getting 10a wrong, mispelling 23d and not knowing 12a, but I think it should have been straightforward. Across … Read more >>

Guardian 25008 / Arachne

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Some very good clues in this puzzle, (e.g. 7d, 10d) and a few which I think are bit weak. I’m not sure about how to parse 15a and 14d, I’m afraid. Across 1. … Read more >>

Guardian 25,003 / Pasquale

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An excellent crossword from Pasquale today, notable for me because of three great &lits, but with many other enjoyable clues as well. The preamble refers to an anniversary: today is the 100th anniversary … Read more >>

Guardian 24,991 / Araucaria

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A good puzzle from Araucaria, much of it quite easy (a relief to me) with perhaps 3 more difficult clues. I don’t get the subsidiary of 14 across, so any explanations would be … Read more >>