Special instructions – 4 clues had no definition. I found this a bit of struggle to get going with some unusual clue formations.
Independent 9071 / Hieroglyph
I have blogged a number of puzzles by Hieroglyph recently and continue to enjoy them Clearly there is a theme in today’s puzzle where Hieroglyph has managed to get a … Read more >>
Independent 9070 by Vigo
* = anagram [] = removed A(mpere) = abbreviation This was a very nice thematic puzzle based on cops and criminals. There was fun to be had not just in solving the clues … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 834/Moley
A fine Quiptic from Moley. Just right for engaging brain on a Monday morning. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) removed … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 26724 by Rufus
The puzzle may be found at http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26724.
Private Eye / Cyclops 559 – Shabby Diplomat
This puzzle was not a hard as some Eye grids of late, till the last few – notably those <50% checked lights. Particularly fine smut in clue for 15A Across 1 SKIMPY … Read more >>
Beelzebub 1339
I found this rather easy by Beelzebub standards because there were many straightforward clues to common words and even the more obscure entries were readily determined from the clear and simple wordplay. . … Read more >>
Azed 2265
An Azed Competition puzzle this week but it was a plain one. There is one clue for which I can’t even begin to see the word play and that’s 12 … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1341 Hypnos
(Please click here for this same blog but with a picture quiz added. Please do NOT post hereinbelow any comment relating to the picture quiz. Thank you.) An enjoyable not too taxing puzzle. … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1341 with Picture Quiz
(Please post comments on ONLY the picture quiz hereinbelow. To post comments on the crossword puzzle, please click here.) An enjoyable none too taxing puzzle. Thanks to Hypnos. Definitions are underlined in the … Read more >>
Crossword Gathering – London – 5th December
There is going to be a get-together of crossword fans in London on 5/12/15. For details please see here.
Guardian 26,717 / Paul
This was the usual very high standard of puzzle from Paul; we didn’t find it too difficult and there were plenty of clues to make us smile 🙂 Across 9. Spooner’s rejection of … Read more >>
Independent 9063 by Tyrus (Saturday Prize Puzzle 31 October 2015)
Fairly straightforward fare from Tyrus this week, if that is a fair summary? Some crisp clueing and nice surface readings, and no hidden tricks or themes…as far as I could tell anyway! An … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1197: Works by Oxymoron
The second Oxymoron puzzle of the year, following on from King Lear’s “The wheel has come full circle.” This week we have to draw lines through a work and its creator’s first and … Read more >>