Independent on Sunday 1445/Poins
Poins has a particular style of setting, which I am finally getting used to. I still find that I need to ponder his clues longer than other IoS setters, but that’s no bad … Read more >>
Pierre
Everyman 3706/22 October
Another exemplary puzzle from Everyman for the less-experienced, improving solver. There were two anagrams which I particularly liked in this one. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 936/Moley
A nicely constructed Quiptic from Moley this morning. There are one or two where I can’t quite get the cryptic grammar to work, but other folk will be able to assist if I’ve … Read more >>
Independent 9675/Silvanus
Silvanus made his debut in the Indy in March of this year and has been contributing roughly one crossword a month since. I blogged his debut, and enjoyed it; I liked this one … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 934/Pan
Setters will tell you that compiling a Quiptic is hard, despite the fact (or because of the fact) that it’s an ‘easy’ puzzle. There are limitations on what you can do and the … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1441/Poins
Poins can be tricky for the IoS slot, and I certainly found this one challenging. Plenty of clues: 32 if I have counted correctly, which must be the maximum number you … Read more >>
Everyman 3702/24 September
Another sound offering from Everyman. Lots of insertions, anagrams and charades, which for an ‘entry-level’ puzzle is fair enough. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = … Read more >>
Independent 9657/Tees
Tees in the Monday slot again, with a puzzle I found hard to get into, but which fell once I had a few clues in the top and bottom halves. There’s a wide … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 932/Moley
A fair enough Quiptic from Moley this morning, but I do wish the Guardian would stop using this grid. The large number of clues with less than 50% checking can be off-putting for … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 930/Matilda
I waltzed through this one. Which is as it should be for a Quiptic. Matilda’s second appearance in the Quiptic slot and my first chance to blog one of his/her puzzles. … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1437/Poins
Poins normally appears once a month in the IoS. In August we met on the windswept street corner on the rough side of town that is the Fifteensquared blog, and we meet again … Read more >>
Independent 9639/Knut
A themed and cross-referenced puzzle for the Monday Indy slot? What’s occurring? Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed definitions … Read more >>
Everyman 3698/27 August
Another typical Sunday offering from Everyman. Carefully constructed and accessible clues, and a chance for me to chunter on about two misuses of my mother tongue. Abbreviations cd cryptic … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 928/Anto
Anto is on the oche for the Bank Holiday Quiptic. I am out now for the rest of the day but will be happy to answer any queries on my return. … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 926/Hectence
Hectence is a long-established setter of the Quiptic, and I thought that this was up to her usual high standard. One or two that might give the beginner pause for thought, but all … Read more >>