“Extra letters produced by the wordplay of every clue, when read in clue order, give a version of a misattributed quotation about an ACCIDENT OF BIRTH and the person to whom it is frequently misattributed. Solvers must resolve ten clashes in the grid by selecting what he is. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Guardian 28,044 / Paul
After two successive Saturday Prize puzzles by other setters, it was a surprise to see Paul turn up today. All pretty straightforward, I think – thanks, Paul. Definitions are underlined in the clues. … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,388 by WANDERER
A solid work out dished out by Wanderer this Friday. Thanks Wanderer.
Independent 10,390 by Phi
The usual tidy crossword from Phi. Things work smoothly almost every time. Phi often uses grids with unchecked letters at the sides, yet he always (I think) has at least 50% checking, which … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,043 by Picaroon
Quite tricky, and an enjoyable solve with some very neat surfaces. Favourites 1ac, 5ac, 10ac, 11ac, 14ac, and 7dn. Thanks to Picaroon.
Independent 10,389 by Serpent
We realised that we were in for a bumpy ride when we saw that today’s puzzle is a Serpent In the event, we found this to be less challenging than we had expected, … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,387 by CHALMIE
Chalmie tries to add some flavour to a wet Thursday morning.
Financial Times 16,377 by Redshank
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of January 18, 2020
Independent 10,388 / Morph
Morph has provided our Wednesday workout this week. It hasn’t fallen to me to blog a puzzle by Morph, who never disappoints a solver, for quite some time, so I was relishing this … Read more >>
Guardian 28,042 – Nutmeg
I got off to a promising start, with 1a and 5a going in immediately, but then slowed down somewhat. However, Nutmeg’s elegant and clear clueing gradually led me satisfyingly through to the finish, … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,386 by JULIUS
The usual entertaining and varied mix from Julius. Thank you.
Inquisitor 1630: Lawgiver by Nutmeg
Hello Inquisitor lovers. I’m glad to be back after some rather unpleasant hospital treatment. This is the first time I have been able to even attempt an Inquisitor – mostly due to the … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,385 by FALCON
Solid Tuesday fare, clearly clued.
Independent 10387 / Radian
Radian can often be found as a setter for the Independent on Tuesday Radian has compiled puzzles with literary themes in the past with Shakespeare frequently taking centre stage. Today … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,041 by Brummie
A themed offering from Brummie that took a wee while to get into.