“The unclued entries have been practising for the COUP DE GRACE by removing a thematic group of consecutive letters from eight normally clued entries, always leaving shorter, real words to be entered in the grid. In all other clues, wordplay indicates the answer with an extra letter; in clue order these letters reveal the theme. Solvers should administer the COUP DE GRACE themselves by blacking out two symmetrical groups of six.”
Financial Times 16,247 by GOLIATH
A good, fun crossword from a setter not usually seen on Fridays. Thanks Goliath, for a challenge replete with witty cluing and unusual surfaces.
Independent 10,247 by Phi
Phi is back to his usual day, but for how long? Were his recent perambulations the sign of something regular? Perhaps Friday, being a random day, is just one of the days he visits.
Anyway, this was what you expect from Phi: things don’t work out instantly (apart from one or two, like 5dn or 8dn) but you know that in due course all will become clear. I found this to be easier than is usual for Phi, but none the worse for that.
Definitions in maroon, underlined. Anagram indicators in italics.
Guardian Cryptic 27,901 by Arachne
As always, a pleasure to see Arachne. The special instructions “To mark a 200th anniversary: ’28, 26 down 9 17 15…” describe the theme…
Independent 10,246 by Alchemi
It’s a while since we’ve had the pleasure of blogging an Alchemi puzzle, so we really looked forward to this one.
Financial Times 16,246 by NEO
Neo steps up to the plate for todays FT puzzle.
Guardian 27,900 – Paul
Good fun as always from Paul, with a puzzle that revealed its secrets at a satisfyingly steady rate, with just one dubious definition. Thanks to Paul Across … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,236 by Alberich
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 3, 2019
Independent 10,245 / Whynot
I am back today feeling rather shame-faced having missed my slot last week – some of us clearly don’t always know what day of the week it is! It seems that this is … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,245 by MONK
Some tricky parsing but all is getable if you persevere. Thanks Monk for another good one.
Guardian Cryptic 27,899 by Imogen
Imogen provides this morning’s Guardian challenge.
Financial Times 16,244 / Chalmie
I wasn’t expecting to be covering this one but the scheduled blogger was unable to access the puzzle before departing for the airport. A pleasant solve, though with one or two minor niggles … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1606: Posthum(or)ous by Phi
I haven’t done a crossword since the end of May as I’ve been sailing round Britain in a 35 foot yacht (you can see my blog of the trip here if you are … Read more >>
Independent 10244 / Knut
Knut fills the Tuesday slot in the Independent this week. Knut is a setter who often focuses on political stories of the day and he continues to do so in … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 27,898 by Qaos
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27898.