Neo gives us a pangram today.
Guardian Cryptic 26,940 by Nutmeg
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26940.
Guardian 26,939 / Rufus
The usual Monday medley of anagrams and double and cryptic [some not very] definitions from Rufus. Thanks to him for a 17dn start to the week. Across 1 Declared a number was incorrect … Read more >>
Independent 9,285 by Kairos
I found this a bit of a struggle, particularly in the top half of the puzzle. There were a few slightly obscure answers and word associations.
Guardian Quiptic 870/Orlando
Always a pleasure to solve and blog an Orlando Quiptic. He’s good at this stuff, you know. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator … Read more >>
Private Eye/Cyclops 577 Inhumanity News
I know by now I am very familiar with Cyclops’ style etc. but this must’ve been my shortest solve for any Private Eye puzzle, ever. I made a few notes as I was solving too, and … Read more >>
Everyman 3,640
Steady-as-she-goes from Everyman. A pleasing puzzle.
Independent on Sunday 1378/Gila
Porn, Japanese cuisine and same-sex relationships seem to be the leitmotifs of this Sindy offering from Gila. Are these things related? I think we should be told. This is his/her … Read more >>
Azed 2301
A plain Azed puzzle this week with the usual mix of obscure words, Scottish words and everyday words. We also needed a bit of French. There were a couple of … Read more >>
Independent 9284 / Klingsor
Sorry for the late appearance of this analysis, I don’t know what has prevented the scheduled blogger from posting today. The usual very high quality from Klingsor with many excellent clues (too many … Read more >>
Guardian 26,932 / Paul
I’m afraid I’ve had a really exhausting week, so this blog post doesn’t have as much commmentary or hyperlinks as usual – hopefully normal service will return for the next one in four … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1233: Part by Shark
This week I have to grapple with Shark. He can be one tough setter, predominantly creating D-grade puzzles for Magpie. (FYI D-grades are very tough, but just short of E-grades which are impossible!) … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,293 by WANDERER
A very pleasant and relatively easier challenge (compared to his past offerings) from Wanderer. It was smooth sailing all the way, with impeccable cluing (save for one which I have queried in my blog below) and some refreshingly semi-new wordplays. All in all, a bright spot on a dreary Friday, so thanks Wanderer !!
Guardian 26,937 / Paul
Paul makes his expected weekly appearance with a reasonably straightforward puzzle, with a wide variety in the style of the answers. Thanks, Paul. Across 1 White powder pocketed by outlaw from a Christian … Read more >>
Independent 9283 / Phi
Another Phi-day challenge today. As usual, all good fun, not too tricky, but definitely not a write-in either. We’re sure there is a theme in there somewhere, but we haven’t been able … Read more >>