A straightforward Tuesday offering, not without its moments but with some curiously unsatifying cryptic definitions.
Independent 10,070 by Radian
A pleasant crossword from Radian: all semed straightforward enough and there were some nice clues. I have my doubts about one of them, but perhaps that’s just me being fussy.
Definitions in maroon, underlined. Anagram indicators in italics.
Guardian 27,724 / Arachne
It’s been a couple of months since the last Arachne puzzle and I count myself lucky to have landed my second blog in a row. Without surprise, I find I can repeat my … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 1,001 / Hectence
A no-show by the scheduled blogger so here is an analysis of the clues. I cannot comment as to how this compares with other Quiptics because it is not a series that I … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,070 by ARMONIE
An ARMONIE to start off the week, and our 50th FT blog!
Guardian Cryptic 27,723 by Pan
Not very tricky but some nice surfaces and clues – favourites were 13ac, 3dn, and 6dn. Thanks to Pan.
Independent 10,069/Anglio
A pleasing and appropriately gentle Monday puzzle from Anglio, who made his Indy debut almost exactly three years ago. All good stuff, apart from one clue which I can’t parse to my satisfaction. … Read more >>
Cyclops 642 – Hard? Don’t Hold Your Breath
After the fun-and-games of the wonderful Xmas special, we are back to ‘normal’ Cyclops… …with lots of Brexit-ian parallels that can be drawn – politicians are CHEWING THE CUD this weekend, before more CHEAP … Read more >>
Everyman 3,770/13 January
The current Everyman setter is publishing his last puzzle today (20th January), so this one is my last chance to blog him. It’s been a lot of fun. Abbreviations cd … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1508 Kairos
Thanks to Kairos for an enjoyable IoS. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 No drugs sign – one seen in park? (4,3,3,5) KEEP OFF THE GRASS : KEEP OFF(no!/don’t even think … Read more >>
AZED 2,431 Plain
Another set of interesting words. I never get tired of solving Azed puzzles as there is always something new for me to learn. Thank you Azed.
Independent 10,068 by Loglady
The puzzle can be found here. Hello, and happy Caturday. I found this puzzle by Loglady less chewy than many of the puzzles often served up for us on Saturdays, but not quite … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 27,716 by Paul
A typically witty and allusive puzzle from Paul this week.
Inquisitor Review of 2017-8 – The Results
Where next?
A familiar figure sits in the first-class lounge, presumably waiting to embark on the next leg of his round-the-world crossword tour. Having navigated the coast of Australia in 2017, last year Harribobs arrived in the USA to take in the sights of the Western states. And now, having conquered America, where will he head next? It could be time to dust off the atlas and revise the provinces of Canada or the countries of North Africa…
Enigmatic Variations No. 1364: Untitled by Samuel
Hi all. I always enjoy blocked puzzles by Samuel, but as a very recent dabbler behind the bars, this is the first time I’ve tackled an EV by him. From VACANT last time … Read more >>