Guardian

It’s me again: it’s been one of those weekends when the daily-advancing weekday schedule coincides with my monthly Saturday blog slot. Pan sets a bit more of a challenge to start the week, … Read more >>

We don’t see Enigmatist very often and, as it happens, I blogged his previous puzzle last November. As most of you agree, I think, embarking on an Enigmatist puzzle is a rather hairy … Read more >>

Pasquale rounds off the weekday crosswords in characteristic style, with a meticulously clued puzzle, with one or two less familiar words or expressions for good measure. I did ‘know’ all the answers today … Read more >>

A very enjoyable solve… …with many clues and surfaces revolving around 8,9,10ac MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST. Favourites were 11ac, 17ac, 4dn, 16dn, and 18dn. Not sure how to parse 7dn. Thanks to Brendan. ACROSS … Read more >>

I think this is Matilda’s second appearance in the Cryptic slot, after a distinguished career as a Quiptic setter. I was the blogger of her first Cryptic, and remarked then that I found … Read more >>

A classic Brummie puzzle? Certainly, the theme was classic(al). At least eight of the answers were the names of symphonies, although technically I think the Alpine is a symphony in name only. I … Read more >>

The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28160. Vulcan’s usual plethora of CDs and DDs, one of each that I thought particularly successful (the long ones, 2D LABOUR CANDIDATE and 7D LOCH NESS MONSTER). … Read more >>

I think this puzzle is a masterpiece. The surface reading of every excellent clue in Paul’s D-Day themed puzzle is evocative of the D-Day landings or the allied troops advancing across Europe. Brilliant … Read more >>

The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28158. I got to this a little late, and then made uneven progress – perhaps because I am tired – ending up with an inordinate time spotting … Read more >>

Tramp sets the challenge today, with some straightforward charades and anagrams in the long answers to get things going. There’s characteristic ingenuity in other clues and wit in the misleading surfaces, making for … Read more >>

Tricky stuff from Imogen today: after what felt like a good start, including the two helpful long downs, I ground to a halt, and finished the puzzle at a much slower pace. No … Read more >>

A bit tougher than some Monday Guardians I could probably have made this a bit quicker if I had not written BROWNER in at 2dn (anagram of BREW ONE) and DO INDOORS (a … Read more >>