A mostly fairly gentle puzzle with a few clues that were made more difficult by having more obscure answers.
Guardian Cryptic 27,442 by Vulcan
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27442.
Financial Times 15,792 by CRUX
An enjoyable Monday morning offering from CRUX. We learned a few things, which is always a bonus.
Guardian Quiptic 954/Anto
It’s fairly well-known that I don’t have a high opinion of Anto as a setter, so here’s a brief blog in order that you can decide what you think. … Read more >>
Everyman 3,723
The Observer crossword / Feb 18, 2018
Last week, Pierre started his Everyman blog with the lines “Everyman is such a good choice of cryptic for those new to them, or for those learning the ropes. Always carefully constructed and at a level of difficulty that should encourage people to have a go“. I am not sure whether I fully agree with that. To me, the setter, the really excellent Colin Gumbrell, offers a bit more than just that, making his puzzles a joy for more experienced solvers too. And for bloggers! 🙂
Independent on Sunday 1461/Poins
Poins in the pulpit this Sunday, with a pleasing puzzle that took a bit of teasing out. It took me a while to pin this one down (and there’s one … Read more >>
Azed 2384
We have a plain Azed this week. I got a very long way into this puzzle before reaching for my copy of Chambers. I don’t think I have ever got … Read more >>
Guardian 27,435 / Enigmatist
I think this is what I’d expected when seeing this was an Engimatist: laughs, groans, lots of general knowledge needed, liberal cluing style, and it was really rather difficult! It was an enjoyable … Read more >>
Independent crossword 9787 by Nimrod
As the frost makes a welcome return a warming crossword from Nimrod? Maybe for warming read warning! Nimrod’s puzzles are always extreme and this one was no exception. A very fine balancing line … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1317 Losers by March
Eleven unclued answers, but all the clues are normal then four cells to highlight (the missing item that could n’t be kept). A short preamble indeed but is it also a short solve? … Read more >>
Independent 9786 / Phi
Phi day again! As usual, we enjoyed this Phi offering – in the middle of the range of difficulty we have come to expect from our Friday setter. There was only one word we … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,790 by WANDERER
On the easier side of offerings that I have seen from Wanderer, thanks to whom for a gentle workout.
Guardian Cryptic 27,440 by Maskarade
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/27440.
Guardian27,439 / Picaroon
I’ve said several times that I’ve run out of things to say about Picaroon’s puzzles – I just love them and it was a real treat to see his name this morning. There’s … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,789 by PETO
The puzzle can be found here.