I have to confess that I have left this to the last minute, so about 10 days have passed since I solved this, and I don’t remember too much about the experience…
Independent on Sunday 1,642 by Knut
The puzzle is available here. Hi everyone. Once again Knut scores! (9a) – but I couldn’t possibly be cross. With this setter I always know I’m in for some fun. Not much … Read more >>
Azed No. 2,565 Plain
Some nice & lit compound anagrams in this week’s puzzle.
Everyman 3,904
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3904.
Independent 10,870 by Filbert (Sat 14th Aug)
Some bloggers see the name Filbert and immediately leap to nut-based puns: “It was/wasn’t a tough nut to crack” / “Today’s nutty setter …” etc. Unfortunately I am unable to stoop to this … Read more >>
Guardian Saturday Puzzle 28,518 / Paul
After a three-week absence, Paul returns to the Saturday slot. This is one of those long weekends where you see my name on a blog for three days running – but I don’t … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,863 by NEO
A tough challenge from NEO this Friday, where my last 5 solves took as much time as the rest of the puzzle. Thanks NEO, for the treat.
Guardian 28,523 / Paul
Paul rounds off the week with a challenge that I found interesting and enjoyable – and ultimately frustrating. The key to the puzzle is obviously 20ac, which proved to have two aspects – … Read more >>
Independent 10,869 by Phi
As usual we have Phi providing our Friday entertainment – though he’s been popping up on other days lately.
Independent 10,868 by Rodriguez
Rodriguez pops up again today.
Financial Times 16,862 by VELIA
I think this may be the first Velia puzzle I have blogged.
Guardian Cryptic 28,522 by Matilda
An enjoyable solve – my favourites today were 1ac, 9/16, 18ac, 28ac, and 7dn. Thanks to Matilda for the puzzle.
Enigmatic Variations No.1498 – The Australasian One by Eclogue
The preamble
“A letter must fall out wherever it occurs from a thematic (or related) answer in each of the central nine columns, dropping into the bottom row to form THE AUSTRALASIAN ONE which, along with two thematic answers, is not in Chambers Dictionary (2016), which is otherwise recommended. Enumerations refer to grid entries.”
Financial Times 16,852 by Mudd
Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of July 31, 2021
Financial Times 16,861 by GOZO
A puzzle with special instructions today which, depending on your general knowledge, you might find easy or very tricky. Fortunately I was on familiar territory here. Thank you Gozo.