FT 12,503 by Monk
A typically enjoyable and thought-provoking number from Monk. I didn’t spot a trademark Nina, but I suppose that the four (4,5,4) answers that transect the grid symmetrically are, in themselves, a thematic touch. … Read more >>
Guardian 24,122, Araucaria: Boy oh boy!
This was without doubt the hardest crossword I’ve had to blog, and almost defeated me. It took about 45 minutes, and I resorted to online aids for a couple of the final clues – I … Read more >>
Inquisitor 26/Nitsy – Game of Chance
As far as Inquisitors go, this puzzle by a compiler I have never come across before was relatively easy. Many of the clues were of a standard that would not be out of … Read more >>
Independent 6460 (30-06-07)/Nimrod – Not cobblers!
Quite often, when I’m solving a puzzle that I’ll be blogging later on, I fill in answers which I’m reasonably sure are right and then think, “I’ll work out the wordplay when I … Read more >>
FT Puzzle 12502 by Flimsy
Solving time: 11 minutes Apologies for the late posting but those nice folks on the FT website didn’t put today’s (or yesterday’s) puzzles up until late tonight. A very easy puzzle with too … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 907 by Quixote
Solving time: 22 mins. Pleasing fare, as always. * = anagram ACROSS 7 HE PA(R)IN Friendly wordplay for a word unfamiliar to me (but it’s in the Concise OED). A compound occurring in … Read more >>
Guardian 24,121/Quantum – hoist?
I’ve blogged Quantum 3 or 4 times before, and I think I have been fairly mild with my criticism in each case. I don’t really enjoy solving a Quantum crossword, especially a waorkaday … Read more >>
Independent 6464 by Punk
A fine puzzle by this talented setter. Solving time: 31 mins * = anagram < = reversed ACROSS 1 BO W-W(O)W www = world wide web = net BO = … Read more >>
Financial Times 12,492 by Cinephile
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of June 23, 2007 A tiny bit of a theme here: beheading for crimes against the state. For me this puzzle proved a little easier than most … Read more >>
Financial Times 12501/Io
IO was another new name to me until I checked the Setters page here and found that he is also Nimrod and Enigmatist, which explained a lot. Unusual to see a preamble in … Read more >>
Independent 6463/Dac
A rushed puzzle today which is still unfinished. I have not worked out 18dn or 21ac, I suspect if I got either I’d get the other but I thought I’d get the post … Read more >>
Guardian 24120/Logodaedalus – no downside
No wordplay quibbles but there are a couple of loose definitions that dictionaries probably support but felt a bit unsatisfying while solving (see 15A, 17A, 21D). Two across anagrams got me started here … Read more >>
Guardian 24,119, Chifonie: Looni Tones
Fairly standard daily fare, a sprinkling of anagrams, a few stretched definitions for me, but I’ve learnt that it’s risky to cast such aspersions without a dictionary. Theme? Well, there was a band … Read more >>
Independent 6462/Virgilius
Easier-than-usual puzzle from Virgilius but with another clever bit of grid trickery – every down clue (except 9D, which reveals the theme) is a reversal of its (180 degree) symmetrical opposite . Of … Read more >>
If you want fast solving times you need to start young…
My three-month old son Dylan helping me with last Saturday’s Indie crossword.