An entertaining puzzle as usual from Nutmeg, but where’s the Christmas puzzle this year?
Financial Times 16,350 by Alberich
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of December 14, 2019
Financial Times 16,357 by ARMONIE
Bit of a challenge from Armonie this morning Sorry for the late post. While solving the clues was not too hard (though I couldn’t parse ORDINAL (now fixed – thanks Jon Delfin@1)) … … Read more >>
Quiptic 1,049 by Hectence
Another excellent Quiptic from Hectence today. There’s a wide variety of clue constructions, including many old favourite tricks, but nothing too obscure; the surfaces are very good too. If you’re trying to introduce … Read more >>
Independent 10,357/Poins
Indy aficionados will be more used to seeing Poins producing the Independent on Sunday puzzle, but he’s brought us the Monday one this week. It took a bit of teasing out, I can … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 28,011 by Brendan
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/28011. A pleasant surprise, as Brendan has been offering just one puzzle a month recently. As announced in 17A, the THEME is THE RAINBOW, and, sure enough, … Read more >>
Cyclops 666 – Polarised Referendum
Given that this is Cyclops #666, and it was published in the issue dated Friday 13th, I expected something a bit, well, ‘beastlier’…but, apart from several mentions of Trump and Boris (and one … Read more >>
Everyman 3,818/15 December
Everyman continues to produce generally pleasing puzzles within the remit of being accessible and without obscurities. In my opinion, his/her crosswords are let down sometimes by looseness of cluing and clunkiness of surface. … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1556 Wire
Thanks to Wire for an enjoyable crossword. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 9 One who reprimands Mark goes very pale (9) ALABASTER : A(article for one in number) + “lambaster”(a reprimander/a … Read more >>
AZED 2,479 by Azed
This is my last post of the year and my 700th post overall for Fifteensquared. I found it hard! I spent a lot more time stuck than usual, several times I was left … Read more >>
Independent 10,356 by Hob
Three blogs in a row for me with Hob as the setter. Takes my mind off the fallout from the election. A very pleasant (reasonably gentle I would say) pre-Christmas puzzle. Elegant surfaces, … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1412: Line of Flight by Hedge-sparrow
Hello! As this is my last blog before a certain festival (and of the year), I would like to wish you all the very best for the season and for the year ahead. … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 28,004 by Brummie
A puzzle with a theme so obvious I shall be astonished if anyone claims to have missed it.
Independent 10,355 / Phi
Phi is occupying his customary Friday slot on what is doubtless his last appearance before Christmas (hint, hint). I found this to be an easier-than-usual Phi puzzle, and I think that I have … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,355 by MUDD
A pleasant challenge from MUDD today. Thanks Mudd.