Puzzles 1 – 53
Guardian 23963/Orlando — Let’s Dance
I did most of this puzzle within my 30 minute bus journey (the schools aren’t back yet!) However, I failed to get a couple of answers on the Eastern edge until a few … Read more >>
Independent 6306/Virgilius – New Year, New Theme…
…at least I think it’s new. I certainly don’t recall ever seeing it before. It’s a nice idea although it does make things very easy for you, once you’ve got the first one … Read more >>
Independent 6305 by Eimi – unusual, distinctive setting style
Very unusual puzzle, with some (for me) original treatments. Solving time: 31 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1 CONVENIENCE Double definition (or punning definition) – just 7 letters to clue an 11-letter word! … Read more >>
Guardian 23962/Rufus – Racy motley crew of clues
The things you learn: my basic knowledge of cricket and opera has increased significantly since I started doing cryptics regularly. A nice selection of Rufusian puns and cryptic definitions. You’d think there’d be … Read more >>
Independent Crosswords – Review of 2006
Some explanation first: Since handheld computers first appeared I’ve kept personal records of my times solving the Indy Crossword (including the IoS), mainly to compare the setters. When those handhelds went into the … Read more >>
Everyman 3143 – White Christmas?
This was last week’s Christmas Eve puzzle so not surprisingly another seasonal theme but not cloyingly so: some toboggans, crackers, a carol, a miracle, a portent and bit too much drinking. WHITE CHRISTMAS … Read more >>
Guardian 23,957 / Araucaria – a Midwinter Day’s Puzzle
Solving time 33:50 It’s good to be writing our first posting about a kind of puzzle I’ve looked forward to ever since I started solving cryptic crosswords. Back in the late 1970s, when … Read more >>
Independent 6299/Phi
Slightly trickier than usual offering from Phi, with an appropriate mini-theme. Across 1 S,WIPED 5/10 THE FIRST NO,EL 9 N in DISCO,TENT 12 B,I,RE,ME – new to me but I’d come across TRIREME … Read more >>
Guardian 23,960, Araucaria: Tutu much?
Actually, fairly mild stuff from the octogenarian enfant terrible today – two of his trademark multi-word linked entries, and only a handful of clues to wind up the purists. But I’m not sure I … Read more >>
Independent 6303/Phi – 15dn + 9ac – 10ac = 8dn?
Solving time: 5:12 The quickest of the week so far for me. A couple of excellent cryptic definitions (12dn/13dn). No theme that I can see, but then I usually can’t. Beginners’ tips of … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 880 by Quixote – pleasing puzzle with Christmas theme
Lots of traditional Christmas references which forced some of the other words to be a little less familiar, I guess, but Quixote gave accessible clues for them. Reminded me of when I first … Read more >>
Guardian 23959/Gordius – drunk and disorderly?
Solving time – about 30 mins Very apposite theme with New Year’s Eve fast approaching…I was held up for a long time because I foolishly put in EPSILON for 4dn, without reading the … Read more >>
Independent 6302 by Merlin – Office etiquette and much more wizardry
Another excellent puzzle by Merlin , which I mostly solved quickly but was slow to finish. Solving time: 21 mins * = anagram ACROSS 1 GO (energy) + SPEL(l) (endless charm) 9 BEAT … Read more >>
Independent 6293 / Nestor – late but great
Solving time 14:30 This one slipped my mind in the run-up to Christmas so here it is about 5 days late. Lots more high-quality clue-writing from Nestor here. If you think I’m exaggerating, … Read more >>