Guardian Prize Puzzle 25,556 by Araucaria

Very enjoyable.  As usual Araucaria demands a broad range of knowledge form his solvers, and I think this results in interesting crosswords.  I wonder if the eclectic mixes come from Araucaria relying less on computer … Read more >>

Guardian 25,561 – Araucaria

A very entertaining puzzle from Araucaria, and not too difficult, with a variety of linked answers and an unorthodox device in 25, 26 and 27ac that I don’t think I’ve seen before.   … Read more >>

Guardian 25,558 – Arachne

Another cleverly spun web of intrigue and verbal artifice from our Spider Lady. And of course, today being a special day for romance and lovers, I was expecting to see the theme right … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 639 Orlando

Thanks Orlando for a staple Quiptic – cryptic definitions, double definitions, some cryptic too, and not too complex charades and anagrams.  Elegantly straightforward clues, but still enjoyable.  Definitions are underlined in the clues.  … Read more >>

Guardian 25,557 / Rufus

Not quite so many cryptic definitions this morning, which will please those who don’t like them, but plenty of the characteristic double definitions and some excellent anagrams in this fun puzzle to start … Read more >>

Guardian Cryptic N° 25,555, by Boatman

I had considered indicating the definition part of each clue, but had not done so, because (a) I’m basically lazy, and (b) I detail the wordplay, and whatever is left over is generally the definition. If there is anything unusual about the definition, I will add a note to that effect (particularly for a Quiptic or Everyman, which are generally geared to the less experienced solver). However , the discussion of the last few days seems to indicate a desire for a more explicit indication, so I am happy to oblige:  definitions are underlined (which, as we shall see, is not always a trivial matter).

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Guardian Cryptic 25554 Paul

This was an interesting puzzle, thanks Paul.  It was challenging and hard to get into because the gateway clue to the theme, was tricky – complex wordplay and an unusual definition.  Definitions are … Read more >>

Guardian 25,553 / Gordius

After my blog of the last Gordius puzzle [unbelievably, only twelve days ago – I could think, like Kenneth Williams, that ‘They’ have it in for me 😉 ] I will forgo a … Read more >>

Guardian 25,551 – Rufus

Unusually for Rufus, there’s only one “normal” cryptic definition in this puzzle, though perhaps 18ac and 2dn partly go towards making up the quota, and even the genuine CD has a slightly obscure … Read more >>