Puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 22, 2025
Guardian Quiptic 1.357/Hectence
Our longest-standing provider of Guardian Quiptics, Hectence, is on the oche today.
Independent on Sunday 1,865/Filbert
I often struggle with a Filbert Sunday puzzle, and this one certainly had some intricate wordplay; but it fell out nicely in the end.
Gemelo No. 15 – it could be verse
A nice crossword from Gemelo but probably not one of his most difficult. The construction is often quite simple and one just has to see it.
He has made a rod for his back by having the clues written in iambic pentameter with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This is very clever and must have made it quite difficult for him, but I can’t see the point. The solver is in just the same position as normal; all the extra difficulty is with the setter: one can admire his ingenuity but doesn’t have to do anything special.
Definitions underlined, in crimson. Anagram indicators indicated (like this)*.
Everyman 4,126, 16 November
An enjoyable outing from Everyman
Independent No. 12,207 by Maize
A grid by Maize to solve today.
Guardian Quick Cryptic 86 by Dice
This week’s 11 x 11 crossword from the Guardian intended to teach cryptic crosswords, found here
Private Eye (Cyclops / 817) Economic Sponsorship
Like many Eye crosswords of late I found this one no walk-over.
Guardian Prize 29853 / Kite
Kite is the setter for this week’s Guardian Prize challenge
Include country flag after author name in comments
I’ve received a proposal to allow people who comment on posts to select their country from a dropdown list.
Listener No 4892 Tell Me What by Kea
There’s a murmur of delight when the setter name Kea appears.
Guardian Cryptic crossword No 29,858 by Soup
Thank you to Soup. The definitions, where applicable, are underlined in the clues. Apologies again for the delay.
Independent 12,206 by Phi
It’s the end of the week. Surprise, Surprise! We have a Phi to blog.
Financial Times 18,219 by GAFF
A trademark challenge from GAFF.
Independent 12,205 / Madcap
I was curious to find out what would lie in store for me this morning, as I tackled a puzzle by a compiler whose work I very much enjoy solving but have rarely had an opportunity to blog.