Some very simple clues mixed in with some really quite obscure ones. Perhaps I’m just having an off morning?
Guardian 28,686 – Qaos
A pleasant surprise for me to see a Qaos puzzle today: not too hard but not a walkover either. And of course we have a theme, with some of the works of the … Read more >>
Everyman 3,931
It appears that the scheduled blogger has again been unable to be with us so you will have to put up with this simple analysis of the clues. I have one or two … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,669/Knut
Knut is more likely to be found compiling a weekday Indy puzzle, but it’s not unknown for him to give us a Sabbath offering. I was pleased to see his name crop up … Read more >>
Independent 11,031 by Rodriguez
Rodriguez sets the Saturday challenge this week.
Guardian 28,679 / Picaroon
I really struggled with this one, but I think it has some really marvellous clues. Thanks, Picaroon! In particular, I liked HAND-ME-DOWN and MELONS, but there were lots of great clues here. Across … Read more >>
Independent 11,030 by Phi
It’s Phiday again.
Guardian 28,684 – Picaroon
As Storm Eunice makes me worry about the state of my fences (we’re promised 75mph winds here today), an enjoyable diversion from Picaroon. Not too difficult, but beautifully constructed as always. Thanks to … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,022 by REDSHANK
A thoroughly riveting challenge this Friday!! Thanks for the treat, Redshank.
Independent 11,029 / Klingsor
Klingsor is occupying the Thursday slot this week. It tends to be on a Thursday that I encounter his work. I found this puzzle to be accessible and entertaining in equal measure. Klingsor … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1525 Needles by Chalicea
February and Chalicea provides our neural stimulation. Normal clues apart from some unclued ones (18 led to 1ac and 38) and four unclued needles also to find. Finally a name needs to be … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,021 by JULIUS
Julius is today's FT inquisitor.
Guardian Cryptic 28683 Paul
Thank you to Paul – no fooling! Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 7. See 15 8. Inflamed area poked by sick fool (7) PILLOCK : POCK(mark left by an inflammation, say, … Read more >>
Financial Times 17,011 by Buccaneer
Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of February 5, 2022
Financial Times 17,020 by GOZO
A super puzzle that I really enjoyed. Not easy, this took me longer than usual. Thank you Gozo.