Well it’s Punk so expect a bit of unusual clueing and a smidgeon of ribaldry.
Beelzebub 1,322
Nothing too troublesome this week, I think, but an enjoyable Sunday solve nonetheless. Plenty of interesting new words to get to grips with: ZUNI, TUTENAG and ORGAN OF CORTI being among those to … Read more >>
AZED 2,248
The July competition puzzle, with perhaps a few more quibbles than usual in what I found to be a harder than usual test.
Everyman 3587/5 July
It’s been a couple of months now since a new compiler took over the Everyman slot, so it’s probably time to stop comparing the current setter with the previous incumbent. I’ve blogged this … Read more >>
Independent on Sunday 1,324 by Poins
A very good puzzle.
Independent 8,961 by Hob (Saturday Prize Puzzle, 04/07/15)
Hob’s definitely a setter that I find to be towards the more challenging end of the spectrum, but no less enjoyable for it. This was a remarkably well put together puzzle, positively bursting … Read more >>
Guardian Prize 26,615 by Boatman
A suitably-themed puzzle for one appearing on 4th July.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1180: End of the Line by proXimal
In the preamble for the ‘END OF THE LINE’, proXimal tells us that: “eight song titles associated with a group are given only as word lengths within clues; solvers must deduce the full titles in order … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,979 by WANDERER
A really intriguing challenge from Wanderer today. Cant put my finger on it but it was unlike any other FT puzzle this week. There is some kind of grid play (thematic?) happening with stand-alone clues making sense when joined and read vertically. A bit of local UK/London knowledge would have helped me today – I had to figure out related clues and then confirm on the web.
Independent 8,966 / Phi
Predictably, the job of compiling today’s puzzle has fallen to Phi. I found I had to work steadily away at these one, from beginning to end, with no single solution triggering a slew … Read more >>
Guardian 26,620 – Tramp
Tramp rounds off an excellent, if challenging, week in fine style with a puzzle teeming with references to Alfred Hitchcock and his films, though I think there’s only one place where knowledge of … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,978 by SLEUTH
Back from walking the dogs to a gentle Thursday crossword. Thanks, Sleuth
Independent 8965 / Hieroglyph
This was a good puzzle from Hieroglyph with some interesting cluing. I’m not sure what the purists will make of WARHEAD in 11 across to define W and WHIPPET in … Read more >>
Guardian Cryptic 26619 Picaroon
Thanks to Picaroon. Once I got going, it was an enjoyable solve. Definitions are underlined in the clues. Across 1 Cloistered away, hiding name that is embarrassing (12) INCONVENIENT : [IN CONVENT](where one would … Read more >>
Financial Times 14,969 – Falcon
Monday Prize Crossword / Jun 29, 2015
This was perhaps my quickest Monday solve ever. Very easy puzzle for the more experienced, ideal crossword for beginners.