Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of July 24, 2021
Guardian Cryptic 28,515 by Qaos
A fun puzzle – had a quick start, then slowed down with a few bits of unfamiliar general knowledge that needed checking at the end. Favourites were 1ac, 15ac, 19ac, 6dn, and 21dn. Thanks to Qaos.
Financial Times 16,855 by MONK
Another good one from Monk, thank you.
Independent 10861 / Eccles
Eccles sets today’s puzzle in his usual fortnightly Wednesday slot There was a fairly eclectic mix of words and phrases in the grid with no obvious theme. A couple of … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1709: Proper by Vismut
Vismut completes the run of four Inquisitors by lady setters. The preamble told us that wordplay in six across clues and seven down clues leads to the answer with one … Read more >>
Independent 10,860 by Radian
A slow start for me today, but once I got going (or perhaps once I’d woken up properly) it all fell into place.
Financial Times 16,854 by AARDVARK
Good surfaces, good fun, good puzzle.
Guardian 28,514 – Nutmeg
Another beautifully elegant puzzle from Nutmeg. Not a hard one, but somehow even her easier clues are disguised enough to make them interesting. She sometimes sneaks in a theme or Nina, but I … Read more >>
Quiptic 1,133 by Pasquale
Pasquale has been setting quite a few Quiptics lately – he’s always good value.
Financial Times 16,853 by PHSSTHPOK
The seldom-seen PHSSTHPOK kickstarts our Monday….
Independent 10,859/Poins
Always a pleasure to see a Poins puzzle on my watch, although I’m more used to coming across him in the Independent on Sunday slot. I found this a well-constructed puzzle which yielded … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,513 by Vulcan
A gentle start to the solving week.
Private Eye (Cyclops / 707) Inebriate Repose
Another round with our one-eyed friend. This one didn’t put up much of a fight. For a change I solved it in the mag itself, with a pencil, and thoroughly enjoyed it and … Read more >>
Azed 2,563 Plain
Apologies for the late appearance of this post but, due to personal circumstances, the scheduled blogger has been unable to be with us today. If anything needs further explanation please just ask. Across … Read more >>
Everyman 3,902/25 July
A generally pleasing puzzle from Everyman this week, but – and there is often a but – with one or two clues that for me didn’t quite work. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd … Read more >>