Financial Times 15,701 by CHALMIE

A good straightforward puzzle.  Straightforward is written a compliment here.  One of the joys of solving and blogging is the variety of puzzles on offer.  Some are filled with new cluing ideas: sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, and sometimes the setter just sticks to the tried and tested.  I like them all. Thank you Chalmie.

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Guardian Prize 27,328 by Paul

I got confused about dates and forgot it was my turn to blog.  I have explained the solutions but I cheated copiously to get the blog out quickly so I won’t pass any further comment.  Apologies for the lateness and to Paul for not giving the puzzle the attention it deserved.

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AZED 2,365

I don’t find as high a proportion of obscure words in Azed puzzles as I used to.  I wonder if Azed is getting more accessible over the years or if I have done so many puzzles that I have seen them before.  Can anyone comment on their own experience?

I will be away when this post is published and may not be able to respond to queries in a timely manner.  Please feel free to chip in and help out in the comments section.

Thank you Azed.

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Financial Times 15,677 by AARDVARK

Super puzzle, very entertaining.  Either Aardvark or I has made a mistake at 4 down.  On my previous form it is probably going to be me.  Thank you Aardvark.

I am leaving for a holiday now but will make an effort to answer queries if and when I am able.

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AZED 2,362

Azed has been kind with the vocabulary this week, I did not spend nearly as much time inside Chambers as usual.  A very enjoyable puzzle, thank you Azed.

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Independent on Sunday 1,439 by Peter

The solutions are clear enough but one or two bits in the clues that I can’t explain away.  Not the sort of thing you worry about or even notice as a solver, but as a blogger trying to explain each detail these things bother me.  Thanks Peter.

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