Independent 7,387 by Anax (Saturday Prize Puzzle, 19/06/10)
I had just been thinking we must be due for a Saturday Anax, and here we are. I wonder if being able to predict setters several weeks running is an early sign of … Read more >>
Independent 7,391 by Scorpion
This seemed like a bit of a classic. Unfortunately work issues and inopportunely-timed fire drills meant I couldn’t really give it the attention it deserved, and had to cheat relentlessly. There’s some great … Read more >>
Guardian 25,045 / Araucaria
What a treat! – my favourite compiler and a number of theatrical / literary allusions. I realise that, on both counts, this will not be everyone’s cup of tea but it was right … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,420 – Alberich
The usual quotient of merry mischief, to keep us on our toes. Plenty of contenders for ‘clue of the day’ status. I have 15A and 27A still playing out an unresolved Isner vs … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1062 by Quixote – 20 June 2010
Back on the IoS beat for 1 week as Handel’s gone to France. I found this an extremely easy puzzle, solving time 11 mins. * = anagram ACROSS 1 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,411 – Dante
Monday Prize Crossword on 14 June 2010 Mr Smoothie is here again to tease us with his unique brand of slick surfaces. ACROSS 1 BEHIND Van is short for vanguard (in front); dd? … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,410 by Falcon
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of June 12 My first impression of this puzzle was that it was too easy. I tore through the clues, the only ones stumping me for more … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1,060 (13/06/10)
After the first four across entries fell straight in, I thought this might be an easy one. Not so, but I got there. In two clues the wordplay escapes me, however, and I’ve … Read more >>
Independent 7,390/Dac
Dac’s puzzles are always a pleasure, never a chore. That said, this definitely seemed tougher than usual and I eventually had to admit defeat with a few answers. Ain’t nothing wrong with any … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1130 – The Magnificent Seven by Raich
For me, the theme of this puzzle was very easy to guess. I knew already that Raich was mad enough about football to make regular journeys from Ireland to support Sunderland, and take … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,419 / Cinephile
To be met by one of Cinephile’s long anagrams as the first across clue did not bode well so I started with the downs instead which made life somewhat easier, though the puzzle … Read more >>
Guardian 25,044 – Brendan
Another clever themed puzzle from Brendan, this time based on (mostly elementary) mathematics. Amazingly, just about every clue and answer has mathematical connections – a brilliant feat. Maybe my mathematical background helps, but … Read more >>
Independent 7389/Radian
A very nice offering from Radian. I’m a bit unsure about one or two of the clues, either because I simply don’t understand them or because I have my own doubts about them. … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,418 / Courtier
This is at least the third year running that “Courtier” has posted a puzzle with a timely theme. Presumably it is one of the usual setters using a different pseudonym. Any guesses? I … Read more >>
Guardian 25,043 – Pasquale
Solving this puzzle was pretty routine and amusing, given that The Don is always scrupulously fair. However, writing a blog and explaining each and every wordplay is another thing and took me ages. … Read more >>