Never knowingly undersolved
All very pleasant and straightforward from Rufus today. My favourites were 19ac and 3dn. Across 1 Tyrannise work force (7) OPPRESS =”Tyrannise”. OP=”work” plus PRESS=”force” 5 Mature pine lasting many years (3-4) AGE-LONG … Read more >>
*=anagram [] = removed e.g. char[m]=char ()=abbreviation e.g. A(mpere)=a Hom. = homophone An inventive and accessible crossword from Morph. There was occasionally some eccentric and groan-worthy cluing (such as in 1 across and … Read more >>
Another fun-packed episode from our one-eyed friend This was classic Eye fare with the usual parochial nicknames littered among the clues, which of course have disreputable surface readings, and the central row answer … Read more >>
A fairly steady, but certainly not over-easy, solve this week, I found. Many answers fell in smoothly, with a small handful (such as 12, 23 and 2) that I felt I should check … Read more >>
Due to an error in some editions of the Observer last week, the closing date for entries for this puzzle has been extended by a week. As a result, the relevant blog will … Read more >>
Everyman invariably provides a gentle start to a Sunday morning and this was no exception. Many good surfaces and plenty of anagrams and charades which led to a speedy solve. One unfamiliar, for … Read more >>
This was a similar experience to the last Commoner I blogged – there was one answer which took me quite some time to parse. Thanks to Commoner for a puzzle that was a … Read more >>
Kea’s puzzles are normally at the trickier end of the spectrum, certainly those in the Listener series. Time would tell whether I was in for a hard time this week or not. My … Read more >>
Jambazi delivers a crossword for the prize slot which is not as tricky as expected. Some of his weekday offerings have given me more trouble. Solving progressed steadily with some answers popping in, … Read more >>
A fun puzzle from Bonxie – probably on the easy side for a prize puzzle, but very enjoyable to work through. Thanks to NeilW for pointing out something I missed: there are lots … Read more >>
Not an easy solve – most satisfying Across 1 WELL-WISHER dd 6 DATA stuff in computer A TAD< (a bit back) 9 OOPS-A-DAISY sorry OO (love x 2) PS … Read more >>
Tough, but excellent puzzle on a topical theme. Plenty of clever clues and surfaces, and I groaned aloud at 1dn. [There is a thematic nina around the edge of the grid, going clockwise.] … Read more >>
For anyone surprised to find a Tees puzzle on a Phiday, please have a look at yesterday’s blog. Posa turns out to be Phi in disguise!! This was an enjoyable solve, with several … Read more >>
Today’s offering is by a compiler whose work I have not knowingly encountered before. One always approaches the work of a “new” setter with a sense of eager anticipation, tinged with nervous anxiety … Read more >>
A splendid puzzle, this, from Gozo, with a decidedly bookish flavour (a theme which was right up my street, but may have left others tearing their hair). Technically, not a difficult solve, but … Read more >>