Redshank’s challenge today felt like a slugfest ! Had to work hard to solve several clues, and progress was painstakingly slow at regular intervals. Thanks Redshank for a high-intensity workout !!
Independent 9,330 / Nestor
It has been a very long time since it has fallen to me to blog a puzzle by Nestor, and this one was a good reminder of what I had been missing. My … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,340 by FALCON
A gentle offering from Falcon, suitable possibly for explaining how cryptics work to beginners?
Guardian Cryptic 26,984 by Brummie
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26984.
Financial Times 15,331 – Crux
Monday Prize Crossword / Aug 29, 2016
Crux at his best? Mmm, I wouldn’t say that this time.
Financial Times 15,330 by Alberich
Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of August 27, 2016
Financial Times 15,339 by JULIUS
I thought this a great puzzle, one of the best I have solved for a while. If you have some spare time today I recommend having a go. You can get a printable copy here.
Thanks Julius!
3D Calendar Crosswords
A message from Puck:
The 3D Calendar crossword puzzle for this month (September 2016) is now available, and is another first in the crossword world – a 3D puzzle with an added 4D element. However mind-boggling that might sound, it involves a simple enough idea and solvers will find the puzzle is no trickier than most of the other 3D puzzles on offer.
Guardian 26,983 / Imogen
A reasonably straightforward puzzle from Imogen this morning. I found this rather less of a challenge than usual for Imogen. I liked the homophone clues and 5dn made me smile but, otherwise, I … Read more >>
Independent 9329 / Eccles
I think Eccles is a new setter as I can’t find him on a search of the fifteensquared website. I started this fairly quickly in the North West corner but … Read more >>
Inquisitor 1453: Downtime by Quixote
An Inquisitor puzzle from Quixote for the first time in 6 years. Preamble: Across clues and answers are normal. Type 1 Down clues have an extra letter added to the wordplay; their … Read more >>
Move to a new server
Update: The move to a new server was started at 2:10pm and completed by 2:25pm. Two comments were lost during the move – well, I did ask that no comments be posted between … Read more >>
Independent 9,328 by Punk
Punk has favoured us with a delightful little crossword today. Just right for a daily cryptic. He has another incarnation, as Mudd in the FT, and I once posted on the blog of one of his puzzles to say that we don’t always appreciate how good he is. This crossword does nothing to change my view.
Definitions underlined, in maroon.
Guardian Cryptic 26,982 by Picaroon
Tricky fun with plenty of misdirection – some favourites were 16ac, 22ac, 5dn and 15dn, and the biggest laugh went to 18dn. Thanks, Picaroon
Financial Times 15,338 by DANTE
Traditionally straightforward Tuesday puzzle from Dante, though I have a few gripes this morning…