Guardian Cryptic 28235 Vlad
Thanks Vlad for the challenge. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Could some of the clues refer to the 2down “fiasco”. Across 1. Sneakily managing to get rid of women’s sport (7) ANGLING … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,578 by BASILISK
A Basilisk toughie… …but then aren’t all Basilisks tough? This took me a while to complete (well over an hour, although that includes parsing, so not as bad as it sounds). As usual … Read more >>
Independent 10,581 by Serpent
Serpent fills the Thursday slot this week – we’re in for a treat. We found this slightly easier than we had expected, given the setter. This may have been because we always expect … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,568 by Mudd
Non-prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 29, 2020 My first-in was 12ac (MELA), I quickly completed the right half and struggled a little to finish the top left. My favourite clues … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,577 by IO
A great puzzle! This is a challenging puzzle but not an impossible one, so well worth persevering if you have the time. Thank you Io. ACROSS 1 TETRAGONAL Not about to keep redtop … Read more >>
Independent 10,580 / Tees
Tees has set this week’s Wednesday challenge. I found this puzzle to be an entertaining solve that was easy-to-medium in terms of difficulty – perfect for a busy mid-week day! My favourites today … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,234 by Qaos
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28234. I seem to be cornering Qaos puzzles, which is OK by me. As for a theme (is is Qaos, after all), it is announced at 11A … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1662: The Return of Ulysses by Kruger
Wordplay in each clue yields an extra letter not to be entered in the grid. Those from across clues explain the puzzle’s title and source of the theme; solvers must complete the unclued … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,576 by FALCON
A solid effort from Falcon this morning and one which took me longer than necessary. Mostly because I'd convinced myself of PAWN SHOP for 4, which dropped anchor in the top right until … Read more >>
Guardian 28,233 / Nutmeg
A typically elegant and witty puzzle from Nutmeg today. Many thanks to her for the fun. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 First chapter on one subject (5) TOPIC TOP (first) … Read more >>
Independent 10579 / Kairos
Kairos is a setter that I don’t think I have blogged before Kairos seems to favour ‘double definition’ clues. I counted five of these in this puzzle. The wordplay constructions … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,086/Matilda
As always, I enjoyed solving and blogging this offering from Matilda. One or two devices that newer solvers might have been unfamiliar with, but learning new stuff is part of the enjoyment, no? … Read more >>
Independent 10,578 by Harold
A challenging puzzle from newish compiler Harold. This wasn't entirely my cup of tea with quite a lot of slightly dodgy CDs and DDs but there were some interesting clues that required quite … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,575 by ZAMORCA
Very enjoyable pangram from Zamorca. I found this morning’s puzzle thoroughly enjoyable – not overly challenging, but kept me on my toes throughout. Very neat and clear clues with some excellent surfaces. First … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,232 by Vulcan
A little tricky for a Monday, and good fun – my favourites were 11ac, 24ac, 5dn, 20dn, and 21dn. Thanks to Vulcan for the puzzle. ACROSS 1 MEAN BUSINESS Perform decisively in shabby … Read more >>