“In each clue, half of one word must be removed before solving, always leaving a real word. The initial letters of the removed halves, in clue order, spell the beginning of a line referring to a BATTLE whose author fills the unclued entries, initially blank. One unclued entry must then be modified in accordance with the end of the line and the result shaded an appropriate colour. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; 4 down is in Collins Dictionary.”
Independent 11,130 / Brunel
Brunel has set today’s puzzle for our delectation. I can see from 15² that Brunel is a relatively new compiler, and it is definitely the first time that I have solved and blogged … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,121 by MONK
A tricky puzzle from Monk today. Thanks Monk.
Guardian Cryptic 28,784 by Imogen
A tough solve with plenty of misdirection. Favourites were 1ac, 26ac, 2dn, and 17dn. Thanks to Imogen for the puzzle.
Inquisitor 1754: Motto by Phi
The regular blogger is still unavailable so I get to write this one up. Very enjoyable too.
Independent 11129 / Methuselah
Methuselah is the setter on this week’s Tuesday puzzle Tuesday is usually theme day in the Independent and there was a clear theme today which Methuselah has developed very well … Read more >>
Guardian 28,783 – Fed
Another enjoyable puzzle from Fed, with some quite tricky parsings in places. Thanks to Fed. Across 1 WORMWOOD SCRUBS Woosnam’s first or last golfer with wrong-handed clubs to get famous jug (8,6)W OR … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,120 by VELIA
Excellent fun.
Azed No. 2,608 – Competition Puzzle
Not very many obscure words this week. Thank you Azed.
Guardian Quiptic 1,178/Hectence
Apologies for the late appearance of the blog. Bloody Grauniad. A fine Quiptic from Hectence, with a pangram to boot. I think beginners and less experienced solvers would have enjoyed this one. Abbreviations … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,782 by Carpathian
Apologies for the late blog – I wrote this over an hour ago, but for some reason it only posted as a draft, and I didn’t realise until now.
I think this may be the first time I have blogged a Carpathian puzzle.
Guardian Quiptic 1,178 – placeholder
Bonjour This morning’s Guardian Quiptic is not yet available on the newspaper’s site – last week’s puzzle is still showing. I will solve the crossword and write up a blog when someone at … Read more >>
Independent 11,128/Gila
An enjoyable and well-constructed puzzle from Gila to start us off on our Independent crossword journey this week. Either he was being trickier than normal, or I was being a bear of little brain … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,119 by SLORMGORM
SLORMGORM provides this morning’s puzzle….
Blogging vacancy – Guardian Genius – now filled
A vacancy has arisen for someone to blog Guardian Genius once every six months (on average). If you regularly solve Guardian Genius and feel able to contribute a blog then please let me … Read more >>