Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of June 5, 2021
Enigmatic Variations No.1490 – BORICAHF by Picadilly
The preamble
“Answers to the four asterisked clues are to be encoded using a Playfair code-square before entry in the grid. The three unclued entries have been encoded using the same code-square, as has BORICAHF. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended. ”
Financial Times 16,813 by GOZO
A puzzle that requires some knowledge of the theme to complete. I could confidently write in maybe half the themed answers but the rest involved much guessing and checking.
Independent 10,819 / Gila
Gila latest puzzle provides this Wednesday’s cruciverbal challenge. I found this to be an entertaining, medium-difficulty puzzle, which was pitched at exactly the right level for the middle of the week. I solved … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,473 by Brummie
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28473.
Inquisitor 1702: Heavenly Deductions by Dysart
The last time Dysart set a puzzle was in 2019, when Kenmac had the pleasure (?) of deciphering a difficult puzzle concerning Billy the Kid. I found this one pretty tricky and spent … Read more >>
Guardian 28,472 / Qaos
I’m a fan of Qaos’ puzzles and I was pleased to see his name today. The added challenge is to spot the theme, because there always is one, and that makes me nervous … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,812 by ZAMORCA
A Tuesday toughie…
Independent 10818 / Hoskins
Hoskins provides the challenge today. I thought this was one of Hoskins’ gentler offerings, but still with his trademark humour. There were a few references to Independent crossword setters with … Read more >>
Independent 10,817 by Brunel
Brunel’s second puzzle for the Independent, as far as I can tell; I hope there are many more to come.
Guardian Cryptic 28,471 by Pan
An enjoyable solve, and on the harder end for a Monday. Favourites were 17ac, 22ac, 6dn, 7dn, and 21dn. Thanks to Pan for the puzzle.
Financial Times 16,811 by MOO
Thoroughly enjoyable puzzle from Moo this morning!
Guardian Quiptic 1,126/Hectence
A fine Quiptic from Hectence this morning, with a good but always fair challenge for the beginner and something to entertain the more experienced solver too. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition … Read more >>
Everyman 3,895
The Observer crossword from June 6, 2021.
What to say about this crossword?
Independent on Sunday 1,633/Wire
Wire made his Indy debut in autumn 2018, and I was convinced that I had blogged one of his puzzles since, but I was mistaken. I thought this was a delight, with lots … Read more >>