PeterO

Born 1944. I was introduced to cryptics, mainly the Telegraph, in the sixth form, as a group effort. This continued through college (physics), and after, but more sporadically after I moved to the US forty years ago. Now I am semi-retired from programming - I drive school buses - I have time to troll the internet for crosswords to my heart's content. I regularly do the Guardian, Independent FT and Private Eye. Despite rather regular entries to Private Eye and the Guardian Genius, the nearest I have come to winning anything was on a book publishers' website, a crossword compiled by Eddie James, I think. As the prizes included a bottle of Champagne, to avoid customs problems, I entered in my brother-in-law's name. He was somewhat surprised to win.

Everyman 3,876

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3876. A couple of unusual parsings and some byways of general knowledge made this perhaps more difficult than many an Everyman. ACROSS 1 PENCIL-PUSHERS Clerks, chipper unless … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 28,346 by Pasquale

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28346. A very genial composition from the Don – I found it progressed quite smoothly, with some chuckles on the way. ACROSS 1 ANTILOGARITHMS That moralising upset … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 28,337 by Qaos

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28337. I’m back with Qaos again, which is no bad place to be. He uses many standard crossword devices, but generally makes them seem fresh.; and, of … Read more >>

Everyman 3,872

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3872. When this blog comes out, we will be in the New Year, so let us hope for something a little better (can’t get much worse). Everyman, … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 28,330 by Paul

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28330. The theme is worn on the sleeve: ‘champions’ appears in several clues, and is fairly clearly soccer-related. It turns out that the reference is to UEFA … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 28,324 by Crucible

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28324. I found this an excellent crossword. In a previous crossword, I noted Crucible’s penchant for envelopes, with varied indications to fit the surfaces. Crucible also likes … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 28,310 by Matilda

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28310. Matilda has been gracing the Quiptic and Cryptic slots for eighteen months now, and has been getting plaudits in both; this is no exception. I found … Read more >>

Everyman 3,868

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3868. I found this considerably easier than last week’s Everyman, but with rather too many questionable details. ACROSS 1 TRENCH COAT Hector can’t change into outerwear (6,4) … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 28,308 by Philistine

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28308. Quite a quirky crossword, with some amusing definitions-that-aren’t, and three (count ’em) more or less cryptic definition clues. ACROSS 1 BEER GUT Result of having a … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic 28,301 by Picaroon

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The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28301. A very enjoyable stroll, with some pleasing misdirections. ACROSS 1 SOAP OPERA Shoot up, ingesting drink and drug before adult show (4,5) A charade of SOAPOPER, … Read more >>