NealH

I've been doing crosswords off and on since university back in the 1980s. I used to do the Guardian, but defected to the Independent a year ago. My solving standard is still not what I'd like. I'd love to be able to knock off a crossword in 10 minutes, but find I'm still getting stuck for long periods when the inspiration doesn't quite arrive. I once had a go at compiling crosswords but, after a very rude rejection for the editor of the Telegraph, I didn't bother any further.

Independent 11,044 by Skinny

Mon March 7, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

This was quite enjoyable and generally at the easier end of the spectrum.

Independent 11,026 by Filbert

Mon February 14, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

I found this quite tough in places and stalled for a while on the north east corner.

Independent 11,008 by Tees

Mon January 24, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

Crosswords are sometimes written a few weeks before they are published and the themes can seem a little out-of-date by the time they appear.

Independent 10,990 by Alchemi

Mon January 3, 2022 at 9:00 am by NealH

This was mostly fairly easy but with a couple of stinkers.

Independent 10,973 by Radian

Mon December 13, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

I found this quite tough and needed a couple of goes to finish.

Independent 10,955 by Angel

Mon November 22, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

One of those puzzles where it was mostly easy but I was left with 2 or 3 where I had all the crossing letters but was still struggling to think of the answers.

Independent 10,937 by Gila

Mon November 1, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

A cracking puzzle from Gila with lots of great clues. It was probably at the easier end of the spectrum, but did still need some thought in places.

Independent 10,919 by Filbert

Mon October 11, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

I found this quite tough in places but the compensation came in the form of some excellent clues.

Independent 10,901 by Atrica

Mon September 20, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

An excellent Monday puzzle with a good mixture of clues.

Independent 10,883 by Mev

Mon August 30, 2021 at 1:51 pmMon August 30, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

There was no compiler mentioned in the copy I received but various self-references in the puzzle made it fairly clear.

Independent 10,865 by Hoskins

Mon August 9, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

An enjoyable puzzle from the reliable Hoskins

Independent 10,847 by Hoskins

Mon July 19, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

There was lots of lovely clues in this but I did find one or two of the definitions a bit of a stretch.

Independent 10,829 by Skinny

Mon June 28, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

I've not come across this compiler before but, if it's a debut, it's an excellent one.

Independent 10,811 by Klingsor

Mon June 7, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

An enjoyable puzzle from the always reliable Klingsor.

Independent 10,793 by Hypnos

Mon May 17, 2021 at 9:00 am by NealH

An entertaining puzzle with lots of clever use of cultural references.