Financial Times 12,516 by Mudd
Mudd provided what proved to be the hardest, longest-time-to-solve puzzle I have done in a considerable time. There were several clues that I completed only thanks to my dictionary. I like a good … Read more >>
Independent 6487/Dac
This turned out to be a nightmare puzzle for me. I’m too busy at work preparing to take a break and so I didn’t find the space to do this puzzle justice. Some … Read more >>
FT 12,525 / Satori – The Dark Side of the Mole
One of the toughest of setters (be it in his Satori guise or Taupi in the Guardian) and a personal favourite. A battle with Mr Mole is one which always gives a great … Read more >>
Guardian 24,144, Chifonie: Multi-skilling
A pretty straightforward puzzle, by and large, which took me about 15 minutes. The long answer at 1, 26 across was vaguely familiar, but felt a tad obscure – is it a common enough … Read more >>
Independent 6486 by Virgilius – how does he do it?
Another wonderful thematic puzzle from Virgilius. All the across entries are synonyms, as explained in the last down clue (26 down). Solving time: 24 mins * = anagram ACROSS 7 GAMMON Double … Read more >>
FT 12,525/Highlander
An extremely accessible today, to the extent that it could well be the fastest I’ve ever solved a broadsheet puzzle in my life. Anagram fiends should be pleased, as the letter-scrambling comes thick and fast throughout, … Read more >>
Guardian 24143: Paul — multiformity
Some very characteristic Paulian clues today — 26ac, 8d and (especially) 23d are the sort we have learnt to expect from him and no-one else! Across 1 LAID BACK — ‘Dial’ … Read more >>
Independent 6485/Mass
Probably the easiest Mass puzzle I’ve solved (and definitely the easiest I’ve blogged). There were some really good clues in this but, again, I don’t think much of the cryptic definitions and I … Read more >>
Guardian 24,142/Rufus – It’s Monday, so it must be…
A Rufus puzzle with a few less of his trademark cryptic definitions than usual. A quick blog today because it’s Monday morning, the puzzle wasn’t overly difficult, except for one clue I don’t … Read more >>
Private Eye/Cyclops 344 – Pepti-what?
Gordon Brown gets more of a work-out this time in the early clues, as “leader” and is often useful to suggest one of the short “brown” colours, tan, dun, etc. I might not … Read more >>
Observer Azed 1834: Overlaps
This was lots of fun — high-quality clues, as ever, from Azed, with a nice twist to make it even more interesting. Each across clue was for two overlapping words — one was … Read more >>
Everyman 3173 – (22 Jul)/JJ
My Scots theory I think has more evidence in the form of Everyman also being Ascot in the Spectator. This week, JJ is Jeremiah Johnson and admirably the two J’s are checked. Some … Read more >>
Independent 6483/Phi
Good quality puzzle from Phi with a handful of great anagrams. One clue has left me foxed. I think the grid was pangrammatic too. Across 8 DIPSOMANIA — (I SIP ON MAD)* + … Read more >>
Inquisitor 29 – Occupation by Phi
Solving time 18:13 A very easy puzzle for me, partly because the theme tied into one of my interests. In eight theme answers, a letter had to be removed before jumbling, and the … Read more >>
Independent 6478 (21-07-07)/Nimrod – Ant-sy.
Something of a novelty for me, this – a Nimrod puzzle where I understood everything (almost). Original choice of theme too; it’s not National Anteater Day or something is it? Across 9 EMANATE … Read more >>