Matilda’s turn in the quiptic slot this week.
Independent 10,046 by Silvanus
Thanks to Silvanus for keeping us entertained right up to Christmas Eve, with a few unusual words and tricky constructions – but some lovely surfaces and ingenious anagrams. A few seasonal references too, … Read more >>
Private Eye (Cyclops/640) Gimme Mistletoe
Private Eye snuck out a 1-week issue so by now most of you will be stuck into the Christmas monster. I’m going to start just as soon as I’ve posted this blog. Solving: … Read more >>
Everyman 3766/16 December
Only two more sleeps till Santa comes. Good job I have a pleasing and soothing puzzle from Everyman to help me contain my exuberance. A delightful crossword, with beautifully clear … Read more >>
Azed No 2,427
The usual mixture of obscure and more common words, and the usual combination of relatively easy and more subtle clues.
Independent on Sunday 1504 Eccles
An enjoyable crossword with clues that have meaningful surfaces. Thank you Eccles. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Roles reversed in tie (5) STRAP : Reversal of(… reversed) PARTS(roles, say, in … Read more >>
Independent 10,045 by Hob
Another HOB to solve and blog today – we are not complaining.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1360: Vacant by Ifor
Hello everyone. I’m happy to be here following on from Dave Hennings who has given ten years of sterling work blogging the EV. Many thanks to Dave for all his hard work and … Read more >>
Guardian Prize No 27693 by Philistine
A tougher than usual puzzle by Philistine for this week’s prize.
3D Crossword Calendar 2019
A message from Puck:
The 2019 3D Crossword Calendar is now available to order from the link below. There is no printed calendar for 2019, due to recent health problems experienced by the 3D Crossword project’s founder and main man, Eric Westbrook (aka Sirius). The calendar is however available in virtual format, in the same style and to the same high standard as in previous years.
Independent 10,044 / Phi
Phi has rounded off the latest batch of mid-week Indy puzzles, as we all brace ourselves for the bumper crop of cruciverbal treats that next week will bring. I found this to be … Read more >>
Guardian 27,698 – Crucible
This felt like a bit of a write-in at first, but some meatier clues slowed me down after a while. 25D helpfully points out that puzzle has a THEME, summarised by 9d, PARTS … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,047 by REDSHANK
A standard REDSHANK offering – robust cluing and some elegant surfaces. Thanks REDSHANK.
Guardian Cryptic 27697 Chifonie
Thank you to Chifonie for an enjoyable crossword. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Policeman seizes haul in fortified house (4,5) PEEL TOWER : PEELER(a policeman, named after Sir Robert Peel, … Read more >>
Financial Times 16,046 by GAFF
Gaff offers us a headscratcher today.