nmsindy

I thought this was going to be reasonably straightforward until I hit stormy weather in the SW corner (points covered in notes below).    Solving time  34 mins  (slower than usual for me for Quixote) … Read more >>

Another amazing tour de force by Virgilius, whose weekly Indy puzzles usually have a theme. This time (1) all the sixteen perimeter cells contain the letter F (2) there are seven rows and seven … Read more >>

When I solve a clue and think I’m certain I won’t have to go back to verify it, I tick the clue number in the paper. This is usually the case if I … Read more >>

Giving away no secrets with that.     “Poet” appears as full or partial definition in twelve clues,  and another two as part of wordplay.  Impressed that, despite these constraints, (a) the other words in the puzzle were normal … Read more >>

Some very clever misdirection and puns in this puzzle.    Solving time, 23 mins * = anagram ACROSS 10 C(h)OPPER    Busy  = slang for policeman 12 f(ACTOR)y    Workplace “not taking sides” 14  PHILATELISTS    late … Read more >>

I pencilled BURDEN in over-confidently for 8 Across.  This delayed me.  Solved in just under 20 mins, a bit slower than usual for Virgilius, where a theme usually becomes clear to help the … Read more >>

All but two solved in 11 mins, 14 mins for those two making 25 mins in all.   7 across and 2 down which intersected – covered in notes below.   As always with Quixote, all … Read more >>

This has all I’ve learnt to expect from a Phi puzzle.    Perfectly worded clues, credible surface readings, variety, and a satisfied solver at the end.   I solved it in 15 mins. * = … Read more >>

This was hard by Indy daily standards – and there’s one I don’t understand and fear I missed – any guidance welcomed! Solving time (if I’ve got it!) 60 mins (way longer than … Read more >>

This was really tough.  Merlin has a monthly slot in  the Indy. As a solver who tackles the Times Listener Crossword every week, Merlin is familiar to me in that context also as … Read more >>

Some tricky clues – solving time 22 mins.    Hope setters are not paid by clue, just 24 in the puzzle. ACROSS 5  GRIN AND BEAR IT  anagram of “Britain – danger” with the … Read more >>

I found this very easy, solved in 13 mins. Typical Quixote style, light in cultural references, homing in on the everyday experience of the solver.Simple constructions with, I think, just three complete anagrams. … Read more >>

Everything perfectly  constructed, wording to set you off on the wrong track at first in some cases. Solved in 18  mins – about average for me for a Phi Indy. ACROSS 7 PRINT … Read more >>

Quixote is, as most will know, Don Manley of the Chambers Crossword Manual, the 4th edtion of which has recently appeared. Highly recommended, especially for help in explaining all the clue types and … Read more >>

This had all the attributes I associate with Dac – flowing clues, variation, trickery, always accessible in the end. Average in difficulty for a Dac for me – solved in 17 mins. ACROSS … Read more >>