Independent 6802 by Nimrod
*=anag, []=dropped, <=reversed A clever but tricky puzzle which played on one of the crossword setters’ staples, the doh, re, me notes (the proper name of which is tonic sol-fa). Most of the … Read more >>
Guardian 24,458 – Rufus
If it’s Monday, it must be a Rufus day! And thank the Lord for that! I always enjoy Rufus – his puzzles are often easier to solve but never boring. This one has … Read more >>
Private Eye/Cyclops Crossword 370 – Descent …
… of the one-armed pedant Across 1 KOWTOW K[ens] O[ffice] WOW around T[ime] 1 Across is last to go in again. I think it must be that my brain cell is not warmed … Read more >>
Guardian Genius 61: That’s One… Word, by Paul
A challenging solve, especially for those unfamiliar with Paul’s somewhat libertarian approach; but plenty of fun, and I got through it pretty quickly once I’d solved about four. All answers begin with the … Read more >>
Azed 1887: Calling a spade a spade (or a foot plough)
A more demanding puzzle than some of Azed’s recent ones; and, to me, all the better for that. As usual, I learnt a few new words, though I’m not sure when I’ll ever … Read more >>
Guardian 24,451 – Araucaria
From Prize Crossword 24451 – 26th July 2008 dd = double definition cd = cryptic definition rev = reversed or reversal ins = insertion cha = charade ha = hidden answer *(fodder) = … Read more >>
FT 12,835/Adamant – “We are (mildly) amused”
At the risk of unintentionally damning with faint praise, I’d describe this as a pretty run-of-the-mill challenge today. A couple of clues stood out for me (e.g. 14A) and 25A was the only … Read more >>
Daily Telegraph and Enigmatic Variations puzzles
As some of you might know there used to be a blog like this one dedicated to the Daily Telegraph cryptic crossword. Since its demise a few people have asked if we would … Read more >>
Guardian goes free
The Guardian crossword site currently states the following Guardian crosswords are going free From September 1 you will be able to access all of the Guardian’s crosswords online for free. As a result … Read more >>
Independent 6800 by Phi
Themed puzzle based on 24. When I saw HAWK hidden in the 2nd across clue, 6, I went straight to 24, and worked out BIRD. Bullet-proof clueing as always from Phi. I worked … Read more >>
Guardian 24,456/Orlando
This was fairly straightforward and enjoyable; I started off racing through it until a few very clever clues and unfamiliar phrases slowed me down. A few of the clues made me smile – … Read more >>
Independent 6795/Nimrod (26-07-08)
Across 1 JACK,INK<,FED 10 (A QUIET COVE)* – EQUIVOCATE. “Divers” is the misleading anagram indicator here as it’s another spelling of “diverse”. 11 SU(NB)ED 14 PETER SELLERS? – haven’t the faintest idea if … Read more >>
Inquisitor 82 GIVE AND TAKE by Lato
Loved this puzzle! Great stuff from Lato. I (HI) can’t take much credit for solving it though. A weekend’s windsurfing left me exhausted physically and in no state mentally to tackle some very … Read more >>
Guardian 24,455/Araucaria – Toil and Trouble
Raced through a few easier clues, and then struggled a bit with this. Eventually got the four longer references to 22 (RHYME) around the edges of the grid, which helped a little. Had … Read more >>
Independent 6799/Mordred
An impressive puzzle where every clue has a sporty feel to it (although 2 and 3 seem to be stretching things a bit). Some very clever stuff here and more than one excellent … Read more >>