The puzzle may be found at https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26880.
Guardian 26,879 / Rufus
A traditional Monday morning medley of anagrams and double and cryptic definitions from Rufus, which I enjoyed solving. Thank you, Rufus. Across 1 Number, figure and cipher (6) NOBODY NO [number] + BODY … Read more >>
Guardian Quiptic 860/Hectence
She’s good at this Quiptic stuff, you know. All clearly clued and some light-hearted moments. Abbreviations cd cryptic definition dd double definition (xxxx)* anagram anagrind = anagram indicator [x] letter(s) … Read more >>
Independent 9225/Raich
Always good to see Raich giving us a puzzle. There was much to enjoy here, although I must say that I found a few of the surfaces a bit clunky by this setter’s … Read more >>
Cyclops 572: Forced offshore
More than one force being with us in this puzzle. 25a was the last to go into my completed grid. Clue of the puzzle has to be 10a/9d, for the magnificent anagram (anything … Read more >>
Independent 1,368 by Kairos
Sorry this is late, I’m still forgetting that the IoS is no longer a prize puzzle and is now blogged on the day of publication.
I found this tricky until I got into Kairos’s mindset and stopped looking for the obvious definitions. Very nice puzzle, though I have to admit to a little cheating at the end to get the blog out quickly. Thank you Kairos.
There is an unusual Nina in the grid – see Kairos’s comment – number 6.
Everyman 3,630
It’s a May Day puzzle, but no need for alarms or SOS here
AZED 2,291
I have not done a Printer’s Devilry before. I like it, great fun!
Independent “Not the Prize” Crossword 9224 by Crosophile
Crosophile gives us a puzzle that will entice solvers to finish. Some accessible clues to get started, no traps – apart from the one I fell into – and the rest of a … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No.1223 Treasure Island by Ranunculus
The puzzle comes in the form of an old-style treasure map with ‘cryptic’ instructions. Buccaneers, cutlasses, captains, pirates, and booty are among the various apparently thematic elements that appear in the clues, but will they help us find the treasure or will Cap’n Gown’s hoard prove elusive?
Guardian Prize 26,872 by Paul
I always find Paul puzzles a pleasure to solve and blog. Thank you Paul.
Financial Times 15,233 by BRADMAN
I found Bradman today to be harder than his usual self. As a result, it wasnt a very enjoyable experience for me and I had to get some help for a complete solve. Thanks Geoff, for the prop up.
Cryptic Crossword Survey Results
Some of you may remember that a few years ago we were asked to participate in a survey regarding cryptic crosswords. A few may even have attended the subsequent trials held at Buckingham University. Though some preliminary feedback was available in 2011, it is not until now that the first results have been published. Below is a message from the research team.
Guardian 26,877 / Brummie
It’s quite a while since I blogged a Brummie puzzle and I can never really remember what to expect from him. I found I had a longer than usual list of words whose … Read more >>
Independent 9223 / Phi
Phi has given us some interesting entries today There were quite a few unusual entries in today’s grid, e.g. SAMIZDAT although I did know that one, REALOS, NIKAUS, QUAI D’ORSAY … Read more >>