This is the forty-first Guardian Quick Cryptic, a series of 11 x 11 crosswords designed to support beginners learning cryptic crosswords. The whole point of these crosswords is support and encouragement of new solvers, so special rules for these crosswords apply – see here – those rules include not posting solving times. This puzzle can be found here.
Guardian Prize 29,583 by Brummie
An unusual twist to this week’s Prize made it quite challenging.
Listener No 4847 Demeaning by Lionheart
It was evident early on that this crossword was about Christmas (as those letters in circles soon told us). The word MEAN in various contexts appeared in the title and the preamble. SCROOGE? … Read more >>
Listener No 4847, ”Demeaning” by Lionheart
As this puzzle was published, the run-up to Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 was in full swing. This week and next would be the final hurdle for those so far all-correct to … Read more >>
Guardian 29,588 / Paul
I’m standing in for scchua today and it’s Paul rounding off the weekday puzzles. Following the idea used in his two most recent puzzles, featuring sandwiches and parties, Paul offers us one with … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,945 by XELA
An unfamiliar setter this Friday who has dished out a solid challenge. Thanks XELA!
Independent 11,936 / Phi
Phi is ushering in the weekend with his latest Friday puzzle. Today’s grid accommodated a large number of clues of different lengths (from 3 to 15 letters), although it did seem to be … Read more >>
Independent 11935 / Umpire
Umpire continues his quarterly appearance trend to day, following the most recent outing in mid-October. The grid is a slightly odd shape, but there were only two occurrences of consecutive … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,944 by MUDD
A straughtforward offering from Mudd this morning.
Guardian Cryptic 29,587 by Imogen
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/29587.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1675: Self-Similarity by Luxor
I’m going to put it out there – if we had an annual awards ceremony for the Enigmatic Variations (the Evvys?) – which we don’t – then Luxor would be strutting his/her stuff on the red carpet in a tux/ballgown, as a strong favourite for POTY (Puzzle of the Year) with SELF-SIMILARITY…
Independent 11,934 by Eccles
My second Eccles puzzle in a row, as he returns to his usual Wednesday slot.
Guardian 29,586 / Pasquale
It’s Pasquale making his first appearance of the new year. The two long anagrams were helpful in getting started. There are perhaps one or two more unfamiliar / unknown words than usual but, … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,943 by GOLIATH
Thanks to Goliath for a (mostly) breezy start to the day.
Guardian Cryptic 29,585 by Brummie
Thanks to Brummie for the puzzle, and apologies for a late and slightly rushed blog.