Guardian 25,083 (Sat 7 Aug)/Araucaria – Holy smoke
Solving time: Don’t know (clock stopped while solving), but at least 15 mins by the time I concluded that I didn’t know the word at 13ac; 25ac and 15dn also wrong. I started … Read more >>
Independent 7429 – Saturday Prize Puzzle (7 August 2010) by Bannsider
This was another challenging crossword from Bannsider. If there was a theme, it was centred on television programmes and catchphrases from television programmes. We had STUPID BOY (Dad’s Army), I DON’T BELIEVE IT … Read more >>
Independent 7,434 by Eimi
Aha. And there I was fully expecting a “Friday the Thirteenth”-themed Virgilius. Instead we have an Eimi puzzle themed around 1ac 10c, today being the one hundredth anniversary of her death. I found … Read more >>
Guardian 25,088 / Crucible
Well, aren’t I lucky, on a day when I might have expected not to be, to land one of my top favourite setters? This is a typically first-class puzzle from Crucible, with nothing … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,463 / Viking
3-4 clues into this crossword and I had a strong sense of déjà vu. A quick search told me why. This is a repeat of FT 13391 published on May 21st, 2010. This … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,462 – Alberich
To avoid being too sycophantic, I’ll simply list a smattering of the clues that I relished for one reason or another; 1A, 16A, 19A, 27A, 7D, 8D, 22D. If you’re not a regular … Read more >>
Independent 7,433/Nimrod
I got nowhere fast with Nimrod’s recent wedding day puzzle, and I didn’t fair much better with this one, eventually resorting to the cheat button with about 60% done. As ever from Nimrod, … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1137 – Cryptogram by Kruger
I have to confess to being stumped by the final step of this puzzle. The instructions tell us that: “The ‘cryptogram’ formed by two normally clued entries should be highlighted and the relevant … Read more >>
Guardian 25,087 – Brummie
I always feel a little nervous when I see Brummie’s name on a puzzle, and indeed it took me a while to get going with it, but it was not too hard overall, … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,453 – Dante
Monday Prize Crossword on 2 August 2010 We are back to the slick smoothie to give us a gentle start to the FT week. As usual, there is this generous serving of concise … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,452 by Cincinnus
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of July 31 This strikes me as a mediocre Cincinnus puzzle (although with Cincinnus, mediocre is still jolly fine). My faves are 13A (MAT), 2D (BRIGHTON), 6D … Read more >>
Independent 7432/Dac
The usual tightly-constructed crossword from Dac, with all the clues very simple once they’re got, but not always so easy beforehand. Across 1 BASTIA — asti in (AB)rev. 5 FACE MASK — f … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,461 / Gozo
A very quick solve for me today and there should have been nothing in this puzzle to cause anyone problems, apart from perhaps part of the wordplay in 1ac and the answer in … Read more >>
Guardian 25,086 – Arachne
I’m not a huge fan of grids such as this where the long clues can somewhat spoil the fun if you get them early or lock you out of a corner if you … Read more >>
Independent 7431 by Tyrus
Tyrus today a relatively gentle introduction for me. Nina today from Father Ted with quite a few references in the answers too, including their Eurovision song. 7 Anastasia – Hidden backawards in Australi(a … Read more >>