I wasn’t expecting this – it’s only three weeks since Enigmatist’s last appearance.
Independent 12098 / Phi
As usual for a Friday Independent cryptic crossword, we have a puzzle from Phi
Financial Times 18,110 by XELA
A light workout from XELA this Friday.
Guardian No 29,749 by Brummie
A nice mix of clues and difficulties. My favourites were 15ac, 14dn, and 17dn. Thanks to Brummie for the puzzle
Independent 12,097 by Methuselah
Nice to meet Methuselah again – he hasn’t coincided with my blogging schedule for a few months.
Financial Times 18,109 by NEO
Neo is the FT setter today.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1702 – Low Rider by Kolya
“Four notable examples of a LOW RIDER are given by initial letters of single redundant words in each across clue in alphabetical order of their answers. A thematic quotation and its originator runs clockwise around the perimeter starting at the top left cell. Solvers must highlight the LOW RIDER (nine contiguous cells) in the final grid, at a stretch illustrating one of the four examples in motion.
Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Independent 12,096 by Eccles
Eccles in his usual Wednesday slot. No complaints here.
Guardian 29,748 – Tramp
An entertaining puzzle from Tramp, with a couple of nice anagrams and a few easy clues to get use going. Thanks to Tramp.
Financial Times 18,108 by GOLIATH
Thanks to Goliath for a fun puzzle this morning.
Independent 12,095 / Kairos
Kairos has provided this week’s Tuesday teaser on what is traditionally theme day, of course.
Inquisitor 1915: Circle Line/Central Line by Cranberry
One of the joys of solving Inquisitors is learning about the stories behind some of the quirky themes that setters use. Cranberry’s puzzle is an excellent example of scientific theory giving rise to an interesting practice.
Cryptic crossword No 29,747 by Paul
Paul is the setter this morning.
Financial Times 18,107 by GOZO
A relatively gentle puzzle from Gozo, with much of the grid locked in by the two fifteen-letter solutions.
Independent 12,094 by Stamp
A pleasant start to the puzzling week from Stamp.