Guardian 25781/Crucible
Peter O is down to do the blog today, but since he lives in New York, he no doubt has other things on his mind this morning. So I have stepped in as … Read more >>
Pierre
Guardian Quiptic 676/Moley
Moley has produced a sound enough Quiptic this morning, I think, although there were one or two bits of inelegant cluing in my opinion. And, embarrassingly for a Quiptic, there’s one where I … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1182/Poins
I struggled a bit with this, mainly because while I was trying to solve it, the kids were in the front room screaming at the TV to encourage Andy Murray to convert four … Read more >>
Independent 8113/Quixote
Another accessible but well-constructed Monday puzzle from Quixote. Lots of different devices, including some clever anagrams, and some nice story-telling surfaces. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind … Read more >>
Everyman 3443/30 September 2012
I invariably enjoy solving and blogging an Everyman crossword. As always, a good variety of devices on display. This morning there were two words that I was unfamiliar with, but which I shall … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 672/Pan
Generally a sound puzzle from Pan, but with one or two slightly unusual words. To be fair, these were well signposted. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* … Read more >>
Independent 8095/Rorschach
I think this is the second crossword from Rorschach for the Independent. His first was well-received, and this too was in my opinion a very good puzzle: there was plenty of inventive cluing … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1178/Nitsy
I don’t recall having seen Nitsy in the Indy for quite some time, but this was a welcome reappearance, with a puzzle that was reasonably accessible but thoughtfully constructed and with some nice … Read more >>
Everyman 3439
I found this one a bit tougher than your usual Everyman. It’s all clearly indicated as always, so perhaps it was just me having a bit of an off day. There were as … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 668/Orlando
I came off the bench to do a rushed blog for Orlando’s Guardian cryptic puzzle last week, and we come across each other again this morning. I thought this was a nicely constructed … Read more >>
Independent 8077/Quixote
Another pleasing and straightforward Monday crossword from Quixote, which probably would not have detained an experienced solver for long, but which would be perfect for beginning or improving puzzlers. Abbreviations … Read more >>
Guardian 25728/Orlando
The blogger for today seems not to have been able to post, so here’s a quick review of what I thought was an excellent puzzle from Orlando. There are a few I can’t … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1174/Poins
I find Poins one of the more difficult IoS setters, and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this offering. If I’m being critical, this crossword lacked a bit of sparkle; and … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1172/Raich
It looks like the blogger for Sunday’s Indy puzzle hasn’t been able to post, so here’s a no bells and whistles blog of a pleasing puzzle from Raich. Abbreviations cd … Read more >>
Independent 8059/Morph
We’ve had a wide variety of ‘guest’ setters in the Monday slot, and today it’s Morph, whose puzzles always seem to have a contemporary feel. A fine crossword, which it took me a … Read more >>