Welcome back to Paddock, whom we last met in March when we played with Scrabble tiles. This time we are Using Better Words …
Guardian 29,822 – Fed
A welcome return for Fed after a couple of months’ absence. After yesterday’s puzzle from Paul I hope this will prove less controversial, though it was no less tricky, with a couple of very ingenious constructions. Many thanks to Fed
Independent 12170 / Phi
Eccles may have appeared on an unusual day this week, but Phi is here as expected on Friday.
Financial Times 18,183 by MUDD
Double def galore from MUDD in today's challenge!
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Guardian 29,821 – Paul
The scheduled blogger is not available, so here’s a very quick write-up of today’s puzzle, for which thanks to Paul.
Independent 12,169 by Eccles
We’re more used to seeing Eccles on a Wednesday, but I’m quite happy to meet him on a Thursday instead.
Financial Times 18,182 by GURNEY
A near pangram from Gurney this morning.
Enigmatic Variations No.1714 – Shambles by Curmudgeon
“Solvers must highlight 29 cells showing (3,3,7) in the symmetrically shaped (3,6,2,5) as recounted by 11.
In 19 clues there is a misprint in the definition that must be corrected before solving. Correct letters spell a three-word phrase that will help lead solvers to the SHAMBLES. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
York S&B — itinerary and map
A map, itinerary and details of transport can be found here: https://www.jetdoc.co.uk/york-sloggers-and-betters-2024 (for some reason, the link name hasn’t updated, but it does refer to 2025). It’s almost identical to last year — timings … Read more >>
Independent 12,168 by Methuselah
What! No Eccles’s today. What is happening?
Financial Times 18,181 by GOLIATH
Goliath is on top form with this puzzle.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 29,820 by Pasquale
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/29820.
Independent 12,167 / Atrica
Atrica has provided our Tuesday puzzle today on what is our known theme day. This time, I managed to get through to the end of the puzzle, and I finally managed to parse everything to my satisfaction. However, I still had no idea as to the theme of the puzzle! When did the penny drop for you, I wonder?