Independent 11,902/Bard

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I didn’t enjoy this offering from Bard as much as I did the last of his/her cryptics that I blogged. I found it a bit clunky and strained in places. But that’s just … Read more >>

Guardian 29,555 – Vulcan

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In contrast to Friday’s puzzle from his alter ago Imogen, Vulcan gives us the traditional “gentle start to the week”, with a generous helping of cryptic definitions. Thanks to Vulcan.   Across 1 … Read more >>

Guardian Quiptic 1306 Anto

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Thank you to Anto. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1. Screens drug for something not readily noticed (5,4) BLIND SPOT : BLINDS(screens/shades for windows) + POT(drug, specifically cannabis). 6. Party demands … Read more >>

Guardian Genius 257 set by Twin

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I believe this is the first Genius to be set by Twin.  Indeed, it may be his/her first Guardian puzzle.  But I’m informed by the excellent Crossword Forum that Twin won the Ascot Gold Cup in 2020 and 2022 for Listener puzzles (voted so by correct solvers) and has set crosswords as Prime for the Telegraph Toughie and as Agenor in the TLS.  And the day after I compose this post, November 7th, Twin sets the Independent Cryptic.

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Quick Cryptic 35 by Maskarade

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This is the thirty-fifth 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.  There is a summary of the tricks used in the first six months here. This puzzle can be found here.

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Guardian Prize 29,548 / Brummie

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It’s Brummie back on a Saturday, exactly four weeks since my blog of his most recent Prize puzzle. I always enjoy Brummie’s puzzle – but there’s an extra hazard here for the blogger: … Read more >>