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.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,555, by Boatman

February 10, 2012 at 5:31 pmFebruary 10, 2012 at 4:08 am by PeterO

I had considered indicating the definition part of each clue, but had not done so, because (a) I’m basically lazy, and (b) I detail the wordplay, and whatever is left over is generally the definition. If there is anything unusual about the definition, I will add a note to that effect (particularly for a Quiptic or Everyman, which are generally geared to the less experienced solver). However , the discussion of the last few days seems to indicate a desire for a more explicit indication, so I am happy to oblige: definitions are underlined (which, as we shall see, is not always a trivial matter).

Guardian Quiptic N° 637, by Hectence

January 30, 2012 at 3:31 amJanuary 30, 2012 at 2:18 am by PeterO

I think this was nearer to the level of a Guardian Cryptic than most Quiptics; perhaps aimed at a neophyte in the process of sharpening his or her solving skills.

Guardian Cryptic Nº 25,541, by Shed

January 25, 2012 at 4:14 am by PeterO

One on the easier end of the Guardian spectrum, apart from a couple of perhaps less familiar references.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,530 by Qaos

January 12, 2012 at 4:28 am by PeterO

Fortunately not too difficult, as I had a meeting to attend before solving and blogging this.

Financial Times N° 13, 897 by Armonie

January 10, 2012 at 3:03 am by PeterO

Wandering from my usual Guardian beat, I find a puzzle by John Dawson, whom I know better as his alter ego Chifonie; the results are much the same, with straightforward clue construction, smooth surfaces and some ingenious misdirection. John Dawson gives his main interests as crosswords, music, and walking in the Lake District. Could one ask for anything more?

Quiptic N° 633 by Beale

January 2, 2012 at 12:15 pmJanuary 2, 2012 at 5:18 am by PeterO

It took me a little while to get into Beale’s style of clue, but once I got used to it, things went quickly.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,512 by Paul

December 22, 2011 at 3:17 pmDecember 22, 2011 at 2:58 am by PeterO

Happy holidays all round, with a delightful Christmas present from Paul.

Guardian Quiptic N° 629, by Pan

December 5, 2011 at 3:28 am by PeterO

I found the left hand side fell out very easily; the right took a little longer, but followed in due course, ending in the NE corner.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25, 493 by Brendan

November 30, 2011 at 3:59 am by PeterO

A thorough working-out of a theme by Brenda, which I found very satisfying.

Everyman Nº 3,398 (13 November 2011)

November 20, 2011 at 11:28 amNovember 20, 2011 at 12:01 am by PeterO

Everyman continues to provide a wide variety of clue types, with smooth surfaces. As is often the case, there are several geographic references which may not be known to many of his solvers … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic N° 625, by Don Putnam

November 7, 2011 at 3:16 am by PeterO

Notably simple constructions here, but one, 11A, I only got by the skin of my teeth.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,473 by Rufus

November 7, 2011 at 3:17 amNovember 7, 2011 at 2:22 am by PeterO

A particularly straightforward start to the week from Rufus.

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,459 by Boatman

October 21, 2011 at 1:45 pmOctober 21, 2011 at 4:21 am by PeterO

I found this tough going; either I am not on Boatman’s wavelength today, or he is committing some remarkably loose constructions. Still, there is much to like in the puzzle. Any shortcomings in the blog are the result of spending most of my time unravelling the wordplay in 1A!

Quiptic N° 621, by Hectence

October 10, 2011 at 3:08 am by PeterO

A crossword with some wordplays surprisingly complex for a Quiptic, and, shall we say, some examples of questionable construction to educate the beginner. Across 1. Keep a gorilla initially captured from wild (6) … Read more >>

Everyman N° 3,392 (2nd. October 2011)

October 9, 2011 at 11:05 pmOctober 9, 2011 at 12:01 am by PeterO

This would have made for a pleasant Sunday afternoon, except that I finished it Saturday evening.