I didn’t find this one too easy, it taking me 2 more than my target of 15 minutes, but it was an enjoyable solve, with a couple of thorny issues and some very nice clues. … Read more “Quick cryptic No 833 by Tracy”
Month: May 2017
Times 26728 – know yours P’s and C’s
Solving time: 9:57 but I have one error which I hope is a careless typo, since I checked back over the grid once before hitting submit. And there it is – I have a sneaking … Read more “Times 26728 – know yours P’s and C’s”
Times 120430 – Times have changed for the better.
It was in the back of my mind that this week a second Championship qualifier was due, and I was correct; you can find a PDF of it here http://www.harrystottle.com/timesq2.pdf if you don’t have a … Read more “Times 120430 – Times have changed for the better.”
Quick Cryptic 832 by Flamande
One at the easy end of the spectrum which should provide encouragement to those taking their early steps in crosswordland. Nice mix of clue types, and a couple of clues (13d and 14a) where, whilst … Read more “Quick Cryptic 832 by Flamande”
Quick Cryptic 831 by Mara
Excellent fare here from Mara – in my opinion a good balance of ‘quick’ clues with enough clever ones to be interesting. The NE corner 4dn, 5dn, 9ac, 11ac changed my time from 8-9 minutes … Read more “Quick Cryptic 831 by Mara”
Times 26726
After yesterday’s brief respite, my solving time for this one was off the scale as so often for me these days, and indeed I needed 7 minutes before I was able to write in my … Read more “Times 26726”
Times 26725 – Had I but followed the sciences!
I enjoyed this but my scientophobia proved justified as I failed to get the excellent 14 across without cheating. 40 minutes, so perhaps at the harder end of the Monday spectrum. K-triangulation is expected to … Read more “Times 26725 – Had I but followed the sciences!”
Times Quick Cryptic 830 by Orpheus
I’m pleased that I seem to be achieving my target 10 minutes more regularly now after my recent indisposition and I was home in 8 with 2 minutes to spare on this one. I think … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 830 by Orpheus”
Mephisto 2958 – Paul McKenna – Albert and Harold visit Walmington-on-Sea
Fairly standard puzzle with some TV references from a bygone age New blog format to possibly assist newer solvers Across 1 British and in Bordeaux, she’s a beaut (5) BELLE; B-ELLE 5 Right … Read more “Mephisto 2958 – Paul McKenna – Albert and Harold visit Walmington-on-Sea”
Sunday Times 4745 by Jeff Pearce
This, for me, was the most enjoyable Jeff Pearce puzzle that I can remember. Decidedly tricky in parts, several gorgeous surfaces, some very elegant cluing, plenty of wit and not much in the way of … Read more “Sunday Times 4745 by Jeff Pearce”