Nicely clued, and a very friendly grid. Favourites were 1ac, 22ac and 16dn. Thanks, Rufus.
Azed 2322
As is quite common, there are a couple of minor typos in the clues. More seriously, that fact that this is a competition puzzle was not mentioned (at least initially) on the website, … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,399 by Peter
I think this is my first tangle with Peter, at least within a blogging context, though the Fifteensquared search reveals it isn’t a debut. I often find it tricky to get to grips … Read more >>
Everyman 3,661
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3661.
Enigmatic Variations 1254 November by Shark
We have to deal with a Shark puzzle this week – Hmm. A compiler whose puzzles I usually take some time to get tuned to the right wavelength. Misprints in the definitions this … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 27,058 / Paul
A rather tongue-in-cheek puzzle from Paul, which I enjoyed more than I initially expected to. A quick preliminary scan of the clues revealed the ‘obvious’ theme of birds [yet again] and my first … Read more >>
Independent 9,410 by S.park
Perhaps it’s just that the change of format to online-only no longer lends itself favourably to the quiet luxury of tackling a challenging puzzle over a leisurely pot of coffee or perhaps a … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,419 by BRADMAN
A familiar face on Friday serves up a nice entertaining puzzle. Thanks to Bradman for a gentle solve to end the work week with!!
Independent 9,409 by Phi
Although this was no easier than Phi usually is, indeed rather tricky in places, most of these answers can be explained in one short parsing. So really quite simple despite appearances — to use what is rapidly becoming a cliché if it hasn’t done so already, the mark of a good setter.
Definitions underlined and in maroon.
Guardian Cryptic 27,063 by Nutmeg
A very enjoyable challenge, with plenty of misdirection. Favourites were 15ac, 1dn and 2dn. Thanks, Nutmeg
Guardian 27,062 – Paul
It was obvious that there was a theme based around 5d. After a fairly easy start (particularly in the NW corner) my way in was to spot the long phrase at 21,18,17 when … Read more >>
Independent 9408 – Rodriguez
As far as we can tell, this is only the fourth Indy puzzle by Rodriguez, and it’s the second we’ve blogged. The previous puzzle was themed, so we have looked at this one … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,418 by WANDERER
One for Ls of themed puzzles!
The preamble to this puzzle reads “L has the same meaning throughout”, so once you work out what L stands for, this is a fun puzzle.
Financial Times 15,408 by Alberich
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of November 26, 2016