Typical Rufus fare
Independent 9243/Daedalus
Daedalus and I keep running into each other on Fifteensquared. This is his ninth Indy puzzle and I’ve blogged five of them. I’m still not warming to his style – I find it … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 863 / Nutmeg
Nutmeg has got the hang of these Quiptics, this one fits the brief exactly. Well almost, as I have one reservation (8dn). Either I have missed something (always possible!) or the subsidiary indication … Read more >>
Azed 2294 / normal service has resumed…
A rather tough puzzle that I just spent 2 hours solving in the lounge at Heathrow. On a hand-drawn grid. Not a pretty picture. I thought this was rather difficult and I think … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,371 by Alchemi
A fairly rare Sunday outing from Alchemi, the first since January, as far as I can tell. My last couple in included 25 across, which doesn’t seem all that difficult and is rather … Read more >>
Everyman 3,633
The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/everyman/3633.
Independent 9242 by Monk (Saturday Puzzle 28 May 2016)
Enjoyable fare from Monk today…some nice surface readings and clever clueing… …and a Nina to boot, although I only spotted it once the grid was completed and I was preparing to blog it. … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations 1226 FoRbIdDeN by Ifor
Down clues are normal – always a good start. Acrosses however have alternate misprints in the definition or wordplay. The misprints yield what is partly forbidden and does not appear. One down entry … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 26,890 / Puck
Tons of fun from Puck this week! ‘Special instructions’ can be a little unnerving, especially if you’re down to blog the puzzle, and at first sight these – ‘Thirteen of the solutions contain … Read more >>
S & B Derby – puzzle by Egbert
To complete the set, here is a blog of Egbert’s puzzle. One that was handed out last Saturday at an enjoyable gathering in Derby. If one still wants to give it a go, the puzzle can be found here: Egbert @ Derby 2016.
Independent 9,241 by Phi
A nicely-accessible Phi today. I had no major problems with it.
Definitions underlined and in maroon.
Financial Times 15,251 by BRADMAN
I found this easier by Bradman’s recent standards – some clues gave me reason to quibble but otherwise a pleasant smooth experience.
Guardian Cryptic 26895 Picaroon
An enjoyable thematic puzzle. Thanks to Picaroon. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 9 Soldier, following wayward line, cracks single car part (3,6) OIL ENGINE : [ GI(a US soldier) placed after(following) … Read more >>
Financial Times 15,250 by GOZO
Elementary, my dear Gozo
Independent 9240 / Knut
We’re back in the UK after three weeks away with very limited internet access, and Knut provided us with a lovely challenge for our return. Thanks to Gaufrid for standing in for us. … Read more >>