Independent on Sunday 1,761/Brunel
I blogged Brunel’s first Independent puzzle nearly three years ago, and was impressed with it. He has been a regular but infrequent setter for the paper since then, but I was equally impressed … Read more >>
Pierre
Independent 11,578/Wire
A delightful puzzle from Wire to start the week. Soundly constructed clues and a variety of interesting references. Bravo. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram … Read more >>
Everyman 4,021/12 November
All the usual fun of the fair again with Everyman this week: the rhyming couplets, the initial letters clue, and the self-reference. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,252/Anto
Anto in the Quiptic slot this week, with a puzzle that will most likely, as usual, divide opinion. We’ll see. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram … Read more >>
Independent 11,560/Filbert
A delightful puzzle from Filbert. He is setter whose difficulty level can vary, I find, but this one was tractable, and notable for its fine surface readings throughout. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,757/Hoskins
One for fans of Harry in sex, drugs and alcohol mode. Nearly two-thirds of the clues make reference to one of the trio of pastimes. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad … Read more >>
Everyman 4,017/15 October
Another sound, pleasing puzzle from Everyman. Not much more I can add, which is a compliment to the setter. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,248/Pasquale
Pasquale in the Quiptic slot, which means only one thing. That being a sound puzzle, thoughtfully constructed with the less experienced solver in mind. Nothing to frighten the horses here, which is as … Read more >>
Independent 11,542/Tees
It’s the Tees’n’Pierre show again, I’m afraid. He must be getting fed up with me as his blogger. Always a sound and entertaining puzzle from this setter, and lots to like in this … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,246/Hectence
Well I’ll go to the foot of our stairs. The Grauniad has finally managed to publish this week’s Quiptic. A fine offering from Hectence, but we’ve waited long enough, so I’ll say no … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,246/Placeholder
Good morning, Quiptic crossworders. As of around 7:00am UK time, the Guardian Quiptic 1,246 is not available to blog: the site is still offering Carpathian’s puzzle from last week. Which is not … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,753/Tees
I particularly enjoyed this offering from Tees. But then I would, wouldn’t I? I have a namecheck in 3dn, a reference to a French author who I’m moderately familiar with in 22ac, and … Read more >>
Everyman 4,013/17 September
Another pleasing and well-constructed crossword from Everyman. Plenty here for the less experienced solver to get their teeth into. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,244/Anto
Anto sets for both the Quiptic and the Guardian Cryptic, and I’m yet to be convinced that he makes an effort to offer the editor clearly defined puzzles for each genre. Abbreviations cd … Read more >>
Independent 11,524/Saladin
This seems to be Saladin’s second Independent puzzle. The first one went down well, and I enjoyed very much solving and blogging this one. The setter seems to set some store by meaningful … Read more >>