Independent 7022/Scorpion (Prize puzzle 18-04-09)
Tough but fair, as always with this setter. The NW corner gave me lots of problems but I got there in the end with just one answer I’m not completely sure about at … Read more >>
neildubya
Independent 7016/Mass (Prize puzzle 11-04-09)
A chess inspired puzzle from Mass, where every clue makes reference to the game and/or some its famous players. Like all puzzles from this setter I found this pretty tough but got there … Read more >>
Independent 7010/Bannsider (Prize puzzle 04-04-09)
We get a puzzle from Bannsider around once a month, and every month that puzzle is never less than bloody marvellous. I’m pleased to say that this month is no exception. Across 1 … Read more >>
Independent 6998/Math (Prize puzzle 21-03-09)
A fitting theme for a puzzle that appeared the day before 4. A couple of clues make reference to “ladies of tomorrow”, or “ladies celebrated on Sunday”, and there are a number of … Read more >>
Independent 6992/Nimrod (Prize puzzle 16-03-09)
Across 7/25/4 NINE TILL FIVE – “when on duty” is the def, and “Norma Bolton” is a reference to the clue numbers of those answers – 9d and 5d respectively. 8 (I FOUND … Read more >>
Independent 6986/Scorpion (Prize puzzle 07-03-09)
Scorpion has a reputation as one of the tougher Indie setters but I found this pretty easy. Good fun to solve too, which is the most important thing after all. Just two queries … Read more >>
Independent 6980/Bannsider (Prize puzzle 28-02-09)
Probably the toughest puzzle I’ve attempted in a while, which explains my dismal performance: two answers missing and a whole load more that I filled in but can’t explain. Great puzzle though, as always … Read more >>
Independent 6974/Nestor (Prize puzzle 21-02-09)
Top-notch puzzle from Nestor which, annoyingly, I was unable to finish. I really should be able to get 3 as it’s only a short word but 6 is more of a mystery. Any … Read more >>
Independent 6968/Phi (Prize puzzle 14-02-09)
An excellent themed puzzle for Valentine’s Day where the keyword – HEART – was unclued and appeared, appropriately, in the middle of the grid. Across 8 SA(CRE)D 9 STUN,TM,[-?]AN – not sure what … Read more >>
Off-topic Comments
There’s been some discussion over the last couple of days about off-topic chat: some of you like it, some don’t. In an attempt to accommodate both points of view, we have introduced a … Read more >>
Independent 6962/Nimrod (Prize puzzle 07-02-09)
Across 6 hidden reversed in “lIETh” 7 ROB in SINS in NORM< – MRS ROBINSON. Credit where it’s due – Mrs Dubya got this one. 10 A in RODS in BIDE – BROADSIDE. … Read more >>
New Daily Telegraph solving blog
Solvers of the Daily Telegraph cryptic and Toughie puzzles might be interested to know about a new blog that has just started up just for you: http://www.bigdave44.com/ Neil
Independent 6956/Bannsider (Prize puzzle 31-01-09)
Excellent puzzle. You could pick out 3 or 4 top-notch clues by closing your eyes and randomly pointing with a finger but I especially liked 11 and 1d. I can usually explain everything … Read more >>
FT blogging – Situations Vacant
We have two vacancies on our FT team: Rishi, who has provided excellent coverage of the Tuesday puzzle for a year, has decided to retire at the end of February. Also, Octofem, our … Read more >>
Independent 6950/Tees (Prize Puzzle 24-01-09)
A very enjoyable puzzle which I found pretty tough in places. I doubt I would have got 10 at all without Google and I’m still not sure about 4. Good fun though – … Read more >>