Guardian Quiptic 1,313/Chandler
A Quiptic from Chandler that I thought was about right for the slot, although with one or two trickier ones to stretch the solver. Could just be me being slow on the uptake … Read more >>
Pierre
Independent on Sunday 1,821/Filbert
Filbert is becoming a regular in the IoS slot. I always find this setter a challenge, but invariably a fair and enjoyable one. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as … Read more >>
Independent 11,938/Shabbo
A sound cryptic from Shabbo which fits the Monday slot well. Nothing to frighten the horses, and probably one I’d recommend to those solvers who are regularly managing the Quiptic, which appears in … Read more >>
Everyman 4,081/5 January
Another sound Sunday puzzle from Everyman, with the usual trademarks which I am sure you will have discovered for yourself if you are a regular solver. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,311/Picaroon
Picaroon has become quite the regular across all the Guardian crossword offerings, and it’s always a pleasure to blog one of his Quiptics. This one is well-judged as always, I think. Abbreviations cd … Read more >>
Independent 11,920/Madcap
Madcap made a debut in November with a heavily themed puzzle. I couldn’t find anything here, but that didn’t in the least detract from a well-constructed and pleasing crossword. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,309/Picaroon
A Quiptic from Picaroon which I enjoyed solving and blogging. A couple of clues that took a bit of pencil-chewing; but it’s all clearly signposted if you read the instructions carefully. Abbreviations cd … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,817/Filbert
Filbert is one of the Independent‘s most frequent setters these days, and I am never disappointed when he turns up on my watch. A pleasing puzzle which took a bit of teasing out, … Read more >>
Everyman 4,077/8 December
A reasonably straightforward Everyman this week, I thought, with some nice misdirections as well as the usual trademark clues. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,307/Picaroon
A thoughtfully constructed Quiptic from one of the slot’s most reliable and enjoyable setters. Bravo. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] … Read more >>
Independent 11,902/Bard
I didn’t enjoy this offering from Bard as much as I did the last of his/her cryptics that I blogged. I found it a bit clunky and strained in places. But that’s just … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,305/Hectence
Hectence is our longest-standing Quiptic setter, and has produced a pleasing and well-constructed puzzle for those newer to the dark art of cryptics this morning. Some lovely surface readings to boot. Abbreviations cd … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,813/Kairos
Not blogged a Kairos for ages, so was pleased to see him in my Sunday slot. You always learn stuff from one of his puzzles, and there were a few things new to … Read more >>
Everyman 4,073/10 November
I found this week’s puzzle a bit clunky and niggly, with some fairly unconvincing surface readings. Let’s see what everyone else thought. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition … Read more >>
Independent 11,884/Hoskins
Harry Hoskins has the Monday Indy puzzle for us. Sound and slightly smutty would be my executive summary. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition cad clue as definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = … Read more >>