Guardian 24383: Paul — Rainbow Nation
When it’s a blogging day, I’m always happy to see that Paul is the setter, and this did not disappoint. As ever, some clever and potentially deceptive clues. Having solved 10a and 12a, … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 951 by Quixote (4 May 2008)
Solving time, 17 mins * = anagram < = reversed ACROSS 8 CHAT EAU (water in French) 9 A (GAIN) ST ST = saint = good person 10 O N ICE 11 DISFAVOUR … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,752 by Falcon
Ah, my second Falcon puzzle to blog. This proved moderately easy and somehow I even dredged CHOTA PEG (19A) out of the back of my mind. I love 20D and 10D is very … Read more >>
Independent 6726/Dac – Elegant stuff
Solving time: 15 mins A nice enjoyable puzzle from one of the Indy’s stable of fine setters. Several really excellent clues including 14 across, 17 down (hope he doesn’t sue!) and 23 across. … Read more >>
FINANCIAL TIMES, No.12761 set by MONK
Quite a tricky one and I was stumped by the bones question at 19d. Will await explanations from those more successful. ACROSS 1. ESCALATE-(esc-a late (et al <) 5. AFFAIR (af-f-air) 10. WIDOWER- … Read more >>
Guardian 24382/Araucaria – running true to form
Somehow I was on an Araucarian wavelength today which is unusual for me. But nonetheless I was very grateful in a couple of places for wordplay since the definition was beyond me, e.g. … Read more >>
Guardian 24381 / Taupi Tough but fun
A tough Tuesday workout from the Moleman. Lots of nice clues with terrific surface reading and a good challenge all round. Bit puzzled over the explanation for 18. ACROSS (*) = ANAGRAM, … Read more >>
Independent 6725/Merlin
This was the first time I’ve encountered Merlin, and I found it a stiff (but satisfying) challenge. There were some easy ones which got me started, but I then needed to make a … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,760 / by Quark
Appropriately enough, I gained toehold in the grid with 9 ac. After only some three in this set, I moved to Down segment where many fell quickly, one after the other. I must … Read more >>
Guardian 24,380 (Rufus)
Apologies everyone. I did this crossword yesterday but failed to see that I was on blogging duty. A good but straightforward Rufus! Across 9 ODD NUMBER: &Lit 10 AMEND:MEN in AD 11 GALLANT: … Read more >>
Independent 6724 by Glow-worm
I found this a very unusual crossword, much tougher than usual (perhaps scheduled because of the Bank Holiday). I spent 47 mins at it, but did not solve it, not getting 23 ac … Read more >>
Azed 1874 – A Slip of the Pen
Solving time: just about an hour. Greetings from the Royal Blackburn Hospital. I was flung into here on Tuesday as the old pins were still knackered. Reasonably tough fare from the Observer’s maestro, not … Read more >>
Guardian 24,373 (Sat 26 Apr)/Paul – Know your enemies
Solving time: 8:22 The theme in this crossword was fictional archenemies: those of Batman (The Joker, The Penguin and The Riddler), Harry Potter (Voldemort), Luke Skywalker (Darth Vader), James Bond (Blofeld) and Flash … Read more >>
FINANCIAL TIMES 12757 set by ORENSE
Financial Times 12,757 Set by ORENSE Posted by Octofem on 2nd May 2008 A straight-forward puzzle with a theme of sea creatures running through. My first blog so I am hoping it … Read more >>
Independent 6717/Nestor
One of the things that struck me when I was solving this entertaining puzzle is how heavily my solving “technique” (if that’s not too poncey) involves working off of definitions and checking letters, … Read more >>