Never knowingly undersolved
Shed is always challenging and many of his clues can only be solved by the backward method of hazarding a likely answer and then working back to justify the wordplay. Even so, I … Read more >>
Orlando is one of a couple of Quiptic setters whose puzzles I always enjoy solving. Today I wasn’t disappointed. Most of the definitions given are from Chambers 11th Edition. Most of the standard … Read more >>
Nice to see one of Audreus’s rare appearances in the Monday slot (and we can confidently predict her son Shed for tomorrow). This was mostly easy going, with a striking number of clues … Read more >>
We thought this was a pretty tough prize puzzle, in the context of those from the previous few weeks. That was probably largely due to a theme that was difficult for us, and … Read more >>
The theme centred on 24A made the puzzle seem daunting at first, but it yielded gracefully in the end.
Such goings-on for a Thursday morning – but what a lot of fun! It took a while to get into but, fortunately, there were a few easy clues to help the solving along. … Read more >>
A lot of very simple anagrams and some other clues that let me write in the answer almost without thinking made this a very quick solve, and not very satisfying. As often with … Read more >>
It is always a joy to unravel Puck, the Magic Dragon from Ireland and today, he was in top form. Devious and cunning definitions abound but the aspect that I enjoyed most was … Read more >>
Typical pleasant but gentle puzzle from Rufus. 22dn and 27ac were my favourites. Across 1 VOLTE-FACE =”A change of view” in French 6 SACK double def “Bag” + “loot” (verb) 8 DECANTER =”wine … Read more >>
It is always a pleasure to see the name Arachne at the head of a crossword.
I think that this is the first puzzle by Qaos to appear in the prize slot on a Saturday, and certainly the first which I have blogged. Like Andrew a few months ago … Read more >>
A themed puzzle from Paul, which may well open up discussion along familiar lines: those familiar with the theme were probably able to fill in a number of the answers from the enumeration … Read more >>
The usual high-quality stuff from Orlando. Nothing particularly hard, but there are several definitions that are nicely tucked away in smooth surface readings. Across 1. REGULUS LUGER reversed … Read more >>
Philistine has been in the Guardian stable for a little over a year now, but I still made a slow start to this puzzle, trying to get on his wavelength. The effort was well worth it; I found it a fine crossword with plenty of well-camouflaged ingenuity.
It is always a delight and pleasure to unveil the Spider Woman. Today, she was in her elements with many creative devices to entertain and bemuse. Thank you, Ms Hayes for a most … Read more >>