Independent 7013/Dac
In ‘Logical Chess’, by Irving Chernev, the author takes it upon himself to make a comment on every single move. As you might expect, the commentary on the opening moves of games become … Read more >>
Guardian 24,668/Paul
A very enjoyable puzzle from Paul, with (I think) nothing that could be regarded as obscure. (By the way, Hugh Stephenson’s latest newsletter discusses what counts as general knowledge – see the Guardian … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,045 / Moodim
Definitely a puzzle at the ‘easy’ end of the FT spectrum with many obvious and simple anagrams, charades, reversals etc. However, I am not particularly happy with the clue for 14d. As worded … Read more >>
Guardian 24,667 – Araucaria
dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade ha = hidden answer *(fodder) = anagram For 15 minutes, I sat, stunned and … Read more >>
Independent 7,012 by Virgilius
*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, cd=cryptic definition, dd=double definition. Interesting puzzle. The across clues present us with various ways of stating the obvious, whilst the many, very short, down clues seem to just fill … Read more >>
Guardian 24,666 – Rufus
An auspicious puzzle number to start the week with. Very satisfactory Monday fare, with a couple of puzzlers but no real complaints and a lot of enjoyment! I especially liked 15ac, I’m not … Read more >>
Independent 7011 by Hypnos
*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, CD=cryptic def This was a puzzle of two halves for me. I flew through the left side of the grid but struggled for a while to get going with … Read more >>
Guardian Genius 69 / Lavatch
I found this to be the toughest Genius in a while, but very satisfying to solve. In each of the clues which must be changed, I have listed the clued answer first and … Read more >>
Azed 1922
Azed is on good form in this crossword, and some of the clues have excellent surfaces. Across 1 DOWLAS — owl in (sad)rev. 6 PHRASY — p{oseur} (syrah)*, nice [something]&lit. 10 HONEYCARTS — … Read more >>
Beelzebub 997 (29/03/09)
*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed, hom=homophone, cd=cryptic definition, dd=double definition. A day later than usual on account of a ridiculously busy week at work. I may move these posts to Saturday anyway though, as it … Read more >>
Guardian 24,659 (Sat 28 Mar)/Pasquale – Great Scott
Solving time: 7:55 The 9 thematic answers (starred below) were all historical figures with whom the epithet ‘Great’ is associated. No Alexander, but there are some famous examples such as Alfred, Catherine and … Read more >>
Independent 7004 by Tyrus (Prize Puzzle 28 Mar)
Standing in for the normal blogger and would be delighted to receive explanations on what I’ve missed. It was a very challenging and enjoyable puzzle, with some cracking, devious, clues. Very tough indeed … Read more >>
Independent 7009/Phi
The usual nice Phi today: he seldom has any clues that shout their brilliance at you, but there are always many very satisfactory ones nevertheless. I’m bewildered by two of them and fully … Read more >>
Guardian 24,664 – Gordius
Very enjoyable today, quite a few c.d.s which seems to be a Gordius trait. d.d. = Double definition c.d. = Cryptic definition “” = homophone * = anagram Across 1. ACCRETION. AC(C. + … Read more >>
Financial Times 13,042 / Mudd
Some well-concealed hidden words (21A, 26A) and amusing wordplay (1A, 12A, 17D) in this one. I was very entertained with the puzzle overall. A couple of clues look a little questionable to me … Read more >>