Everyman 3427/10 June 2012
Late on parade, for which apologies. I did forget, since you ask, so the blog is a bit rushed. Another fine puzzle from Everyman, with one or two old chestnuts – but as … Read more >>
Pierre
Guardian Quiptic 656/Hectence
It’s a Quiptic, Jim, but not as we know it … It might have just been a bad day at the office for me, but this was harder than many a Guardian cryptic … Read more >>
Independent 8005/Quixote
It’s Monday, it’s Quixote, and it’s the usual mix of fine surfaces, clear definitions, and polished wordplay. Quixote was mentioned in nms’s recent survey as being one of the ‘easier’ Indy setters, and … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1162/Glow-worm
I’ve blogged two or three Sunday Glow-worms before, and I’ve thought they were pleasing puzzles. But I’ve been a bit critical this morning: I think there are some clunky surfaces, remote synonyms and … Read more >>
Independent 7987/i 399 Tyrus
Quixote is twelfth man today, so Tyrus is running up to the crease this morning to bowl us some googlies and doosras. I was slightly concerned when I saw his name on the … Read more >>
Everyman 3423/13 May 2012
I always look forward to blogging the Everyman puzzle, because there’ll be plenty of inventive but gettable clues and a wide range of references that often have me going off on a tangent … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 652/Nutmeg
A pleasing Quiptic from Nutmeg, but she has included a number of cryptic definitions, which I found slightly tricky. Overall though, a well-constructed puzzle, with just one clue that I can’t quite get … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1158/Poins
My sense is that the Independent on Sunday puzzle is one that’s pitched at a reasonably accessible level so that ‘lesser mortals’ (and I have deliberately used the inverted commas) can have a … Read more >>
Independent 7969/i 381 Quixote
Another sound and enjoyable Monday morning puzzle from Quixote, but one which I found more difficult than some in the past. However, once I got my way into it, it fell out nicely. … Read more >>
Everyman 3419/ 15 April 2012
Another pleasing Sunday morning solve from Everyman, with a wide range of references. Fewer anagrams than usual from this setter, but still an accessible puzzle with a nice range of cluing devices. And … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 648/Algol
A couple of surprises when I opened up this morning’s puzzle: a new setter, and a theme. I can’t ever remember there being a themed Quiptic before (although there was a hidden message … Read more >>
Independent 7951/Punk
Punk and I keep bumping into one another on a Monday morning, which I don’t mind in the least, because his puzzles always raise a few laughs and smiles, which is rather what … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1154/Glow-worm
With the date being what it was, I was half-expecting un poisson d’avril theme, but it turned out not to be so. However, since it was also Palm Sunday, we have a little … Read more >>
Independent 7933/Quixote
After celebrating his twenty-fifth anniversary with the Indy two Fridays ago, Quixote is back in his usual Monday slot with another clearly-clued and enjoyable puzzle. John, the blogger for the Don’s puzzle that … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 644/Moley
A value for money Quiptic from Moley today, with a very full grid to keep us occupied. I think it’s certainly an accessible puzzle, with plenty of anagrams to get beginners going. There … Read more >>