Thank you to Hoskins. Definitions are underlined in the clues.
Independent 12,249 by Bluebird
Another Saturday Bluebird that has coincided with my blogging duty, and that’s no bad thing.
Guardian Quick Cryptic 93 by Budmo
This week’s 11 x 11 crossword from the Guardian intended to teach cryptic crosswords, found here
Guardian Prize Prize crossword No 29,894 by Brockwell
A gastropodous theme for this week’s Prize puzzle from Brockwell.
Listener No 4899 Give and Take by Lionheart
It apppears that Lionheart has compiled four Christmas Listeners previously and with the title ‘Give and Take’ we suspect that this will be another.
Independent 12,248 / Phi
Phi has provided our Friday puzzle this week, bringing the first suite of working week puzzles in 2026 to an end.
Guardian Cryptic 29,899/Brendan
I am standing in for Eileen today, and was pleased to see Brendan’s name when I opened up the puzzle.
Financial Times 18,263 by SOLOMON
A tough nut to crack from SOLOMON this Friday.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 29,898 by Pasquale
Thanks to Pasquale for the puzzle, with a few words I had to look up afterwards. My favourites were 11ac, 25ac, and 17dn.
Independent 11247 / Ringoe
Ringoe appears to be a new setter of Independent cryptic puzzles, so welcome!
Financial Times 18,262 by MUDD
Mudd is today's setter.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1727: Complete by Stick Insect
This puzzle almost COMPLETEly defeated me – until a PDM at the 11th hour of the 10th day after publication, just before the submission deadline…
Financial Times 18,261 by IO
A challenging crossword from IO.
Independent 12,246 by Stamp
Stamp is here with our mental warm-up today.
Guardian 29,897 – Philistine
A typically elegant puzzle from Philistine, featuring his trademarks of medical references and lift-and-separate clues. Thanks to Phlistine.