AZED No. 2,022 Plain
Nick: A fairly easy stroll for an Azed this week. 18dn was the last in, as the instruction ‘The Chambers Dictionary (2008) is recommended‘ always steers me in the wrong direction when proper nouns … Read more >>
Everyman No. 3361 (27th February)
Lorraine: Nice steady Everyman this week, nothing to taxing although I had to look up 25a. in Bradfords to confirm. Thank you Everyman. Across 1. Noon, and crate’s broken open for delicious drink … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1098: Quixote
The usual straightforward, sound offering from Quixote. Solved pretty quickly, though 9a held me up a bit. The most popular clue will probably be 8d, though I’d go for 17a or 5d for … Read more >>
Independent 7602 (Saturday Prize Puzzle by Monk 26-02-2011)
A very pleasing puzzle from Monk, with some very inventive clues. Also a lovely array of the different clueing techniques that can be used in constructing a cryptic crossword. I failed to find … Read more >>
Guardian 25,256 / Brendan
A pretty straightforward puzzle, I think, for a Brendan – especially a prize. This was a cleverly-composed and entertaining challenge for the Oscars weekend. I think some might consider it more of a … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No 955 Plot Development by Charybdis
So a complicated preamble – the character referred to as X is to be found in the completed grid, his sweetheart is revealed from 9 asterisked cells, 4 unclued entries comprising 25 letters, … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,633 / Bradman
A puzzle with moments of ease as well as perplexities, which dissolve happily when the penny drops. A few words learnt today thanks to 14a and 20d. A wide range of knowledge domains … Read more >>
Independent 7607 / Phi
It’s Friday so it must be a Phi day and, unless things have changed, a Phi in the ‘i’ day as well. After the recent tribute to 15² by Anax (#7588, 10th Feb.) … Read more >>
Guardian 25,261 / Paul
A fun crossword from Paul with a nice theme – not too difficult for a Friday. There are some excellent clues here – enough that I won’t try to list all my favourites … Read more >>
Independent 7,606 / Klingsor
I hadn’t had the opportunity of blogging a Klingsor puzzle until today, and I think that I’ve only ever solved a handful of crosswords signed Klingsor, although perhaps this setter masquerades behind other … Read more >>
Guardian 25,260 / Boatman
Boatman is another setter who doesn’t appear often enough for me [it’s almost three months since his last appearance]. We would normally expect a challenge and this puzzle is no exception. Boatman often … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,632 / Phssthpok
This one of those puzzles that appeared quite daunting at first pass, but ended up being plainer sailing than initially feared. Mr/Mrs/Ms Phssthpok can usually be relied upon to inject more than their … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,623 / Mudd
Financial Times Prize Puzzle of 21 February A typically creative and clever puzzle from Mudd. I liked the way the surface sense of the words making up the wordplay fit in with the … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,622 by Cincinnus
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of February 19 Cincinnus spoils us with two of his typically wondrous anagrams this time, 21A (TURNSTONES) and 3D (SAN MARINO). I also applaud 8A (REMAINS), 11A … Read more >>
Independent 7,605/Dac
Wednesday = Dac = it’s all good. Some tricksy Down clues in this one I thought, but everything perfectly justifiable and well put together as ever. Across 1 SLIP-UP – PUPILS rev. 5 … Read more >>