As straightforward as Azed can be.
Guardian Genius 214 by Puck
I think this is the fourth Puck Genius that I have blogged, from Genius 136 way back in Nov 2014, through 160 and 190, approximately every two-and-a-bit years. Always a pleasure to ‘shake hands with an old face’, as my grandfather used to say!
Independent 10,780 by Phi (Sat 01-May 2021)
When I saw Phi had been given the Saturday slot I thought we would be in for a May Day special.
But I see no theme in here. Just excellent clear clues as usual from Phi.
Guardian Prize 28,428 by Tramp
I filled the grid from the definitions quite quickly, but untangling the wordplay took a lot longer! Thank you Tramp.
Guardian 28,433 / Paul
It’s giving nothing away to say that Paul has served up a fishy offering to round off the week. Lots of witty clues, with plenty of misdirection and not a risqué one in … Read more >>
Independent 10779 / Silvanus
It is unusual to have a setter other than Phi on a Friday, but I have blogged a few Silvanus’ puzzles before and have always enjoyed them. It’s not often … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,773 by BUCCANEER
First time I am blogging BUCCANEER i think. Thanks to setter for the Friday treat.
Guardian Cryptic 28,432 by Brummie
Fun, and not too tricky once I got going – favourites were 9ac, 10ac, 17/24dn, and 23dn. Thanks to Brummie
Independent 10,778 by Serpent
Reasonably challenging from Serpent today – about right for a Thursday.
Financial Times 16,772 by JULIUS
Julius presents this morning's FT challenge.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1483: Mixed Feelings by Stick Insect
The first thing that struck me about this puzzle was the tiny font of the clue numbers in the grid! Just about at the limits of my already-aided eyesight – I suspect some solvers may have struggled to make them out? The second was the 12 x 14 grid…a rare-ish shape…and thirdly the asymmetry of some bars – both maybe suggestive of adaptations to fit in some elaborate thematic material? Will I have MIXED FEELINGS about this puzzle?…
Financial Times 16,762 by Goliath
Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of April 17, 2021
Financial Times 16,771 by IO
A really great puzzle with lots of inventive clues and quirky ways to look at things. Not easy, but not as hard as Io can be so definitely worth having a go.
Independent 10,777 by Bluth
It’s always a pleasure to blog a Bluth puzzle. The clues are precise and there always seems to be a smile or two along the way.
Guardian 28,431 – Puck
I see this is my 800th blog for Fifteensquared, and Puck has provided a tough challenge for me to celebrate it. There’s a sporty theme running through the clues, but fortunately for me … Read more >>