Independent 6628 by Math – “Left, Right; Left, Right..”
A relatively easy puzzle from Math, with a few tricky clues in the lower part of the grid. I was only able to get 23 across after I’d noticed that the extreme left … Read more >>
Guardian 24,277 (Sat 5 Jan)/Araucaria – Sin city
Solving time: Turned to references after 45 mins (in two sessions) with 6 answers missing (asterisked) and one wrong (2dn). The thematic element of this puzzle was the inclusion of the seven deadly … Read more >>
Azed 1858 – Competition Puzzle
In theory I should delay this another hour but I’m sure anyone intending to write a clue to HUMONGOUS will have done so by now. Solving time: 22:20 – no books – and … Read more >>
Guardian 24282 / Brummie – Lights, Camera, Action!
Solving time: 22 minutes A lovely cinematic experience from Brummie today. Many of the clues shared the solution to 9 as a definition. The usual smattering of clever and nudge nidge wink wink … Read more >>
Independent 6626/Phi
I raced through this puzzle much more quickly than usual for Phi. Then I hit the buffers with 11 and 13. I’m sure I’m missing something very simple. Across 1 RHODES SCHOLAR — … Read more >>
Independent 6621/Dac (05-01-08)
Dac is well-known amongst Indy solvers but we’re used to seeing him on a Wednesday so it was something of a surprise to see his name next to the Saturday prize puzzle. This … Read more >>
Inquisitor 53 SOME OF THE THINGS by Quixote
It’s that time of year! “In the Bleak Midwinter” last week and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” this week. Two of our tiumvirate went to the Temple Church Choir’s carol service at the … Read more >>
Independent 6625/Nestor
This was mostly not too difficult and great fun to solve, as always from Nestor but there’s one clue I couldn’t get (10d) and eventually had to concede defeat and look it up. … Read more >>
Guardian 24281/Yo, Pasquale!
I think the theme here is famous people that I’ve heard of — unless someone can find a better link between BLAIR, PRESCOTT, FATS WALLER, Stirling and Kate MOSS, Gordon Brown, PARIS HILTON, … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 934 by Quixote
The usual pleasing, accessible, puzzle by Quixote – solving time, 17 mins. Notes on some clues below, happy to explain others if asked. * = anagram < = reverse ACROSS 11 THE GAY … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,652 by Cincinnus
Cincinnus again brings us an enjoyable puzzle with a few brilliant clues. I particularly like 4D, 7D and 18D. Across 1. JOYSTICK – JOYS (delights) + TICK (parasite) 5. CHASER – double definition … Read more >>
Independent 6624 by Dac
Fastest Indy solve of the year so far for me, 13 mins. Unusually got many answers first from the definitions. Some excellent clues as always from Dac. * = anagram ACROSS 1 KIRS … Read more >>
Guardian 24280/Araucaria
This was tough, and certainly I wouldn’t have been able to solve it on the train! However, I’m between jobs at the moment so I was able to attack it with Chambers and … Read more >>
Independent 6623/Virgilius
Across 1 LATIN AMERICAN – (certain animal)*. This suggests the theme – all the across answers are Latin words, many of which have an American connection. I think this is all. 9 CAPITOL … Read more >>
Guardian 24,279 – Gordius : Dead Bodies
This was a fairly straightforward puzzle, which I initially made more difficult by insisting that 16d was TATTLER and 23d was ACRE. They aren’t. Music is “Dead Bodies” by Air – the best … Read more >>