Guardian 24,064/Audreus – not too hard
A very quick solve (app 8 mins). Most of the clues were very straightforward and the wordplay acceptable. There were a few examples of superfluous linkwords placed in the clue to allow the … Read more >>
Azed 1821 – a tough work-out
Solving time: 59 minutes, with Chambers used after about 30. Although I finished up with a slightly quicker time, I think I understand why last week’s commenter Ali said they were finding this … Read more >>
Everyman 3160/quick solve
Solving time: pretty quickly Not sure how long I took to solve this since I was multi-tasking at the time but I don’t recall any untoward hold-ups. In retrospect not much to comment … Read more >>
Guardian 24,057 (Sat 21 Apr)/Araucaria – A hard day’s night
Solving time: 42 mins; one missing (1ac). A common feature of Araucaria’s puzzles is the inclusion of very long phrases spanning multiple clues with very complex wordplay. This week’s complementary phrases were SOMETHING … Read more >>
Guardian 24,062/Arachne – ducks, drakes and a dragon!
Apologies for the lateness and brevity of this post, but I have already blogged a Times and an Inquisitor today, and submitted a puzzle for publication in a charity newspaper, as well as … Read more >>
Independent 6400 / Monk – oho, aha …
Solving time 22:05 I found this very tough, and was grateful for spotting the Nina – palindromes in the unchecked letters on each edge of the grid – DEIFIED, REPAPER, ROTATOR and REVIVER. … Read more >>
Independent 6405/Nimrod
This one was unusually tough for me, though perhaps that’s to be expected on a Friday and from Nimrod. I felt a little short-changed at only having 22 clues, though at least that … Read more >>
Inquisitor #16/Post Lottery by Loda
Solvers’ hint #1: Check the date before tackling a crossword – sometimes it makes the theme blindingly obvious very quickly.Bloggers’ hint #1: If you take your crossword folder on a plane, complete with … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 897 by Quixote
Some seamless joins between definition and wordplay which misled at first. Solving time: 22 mins * = anagram ACROSS 6 PE DAN TIC 9 WI NONA West Indies and anon = soon reversed. … Read more >>
Independent 6404 by Bannsider
I have less time on a Thursday for crosswords and blogging than on other weekdays and I was mildly concerned to see Bannsider’s name at the top today as I’ve found him among … Read more >>
Guardian 24061/Araucaria – Seasonal games
Solving time: 30’ Whew! I almost got blown away by this one. I’m going to say it again: I don’t see how this can be solved on the tube. I realize, having said … Read more >>
Independent 6403 by Dac
The usual top quality puzzle from this Indy setter with a weekly slot. Solving time: 15 mins ACROSS 1 DO YOU MIND Brilliant stuff 13 MA NANA Refers to 22 = Granada i.e. … Read more >>
Guardian 24060/Brummie — a bit of fun.
Several clues used 12 as the definition in a couple of different ways. I got three card games before I got GAME itself and assumed I was looking for card games, thus PARTRIDGE … Read more >>
Guardian 24,059, Gordius: All bar two
Took me about 20 minutes, except for the last two clues, which I feel could take another week. Offers welcomed for 13 across and 22 down. What with these, and several dictionary words … Read more >>
Independent 6402/Virgilius – A to Z…
I found this very easy – one of my rare sub-10 minute solves I think – but that’s not really the point as there’s a very clever piece of grid wizardry going on … Read more >>