I couldn’t have told you what my PB was for a Jumbo, but I can now. I’m sure my time of 25:06 is much faster than any of my previous efforts. I’m also sure that … Read more “Jumbo 1262 April 29, 2017”
Month: May 2017
Times Saturday 26718 – May 6, 2017. Wailing wildly!
This crossword certainly had its quota of obscure answers! Strangely my first two in were 22dn and 25 across, although one I only vaguely remembered from past crosswords, and the other I didn’t know at … Read more “Times Saturday 26718 – May 6, 2017. Wailing wildly!”
Jumbo 1263
This was the one published on the first May Bank Holiday Nothing too controversial, just a couple clues with tricky wordplay to sort out Across 1 UP FOR GRABS – UP FOR = available and … Read more “Jumbo 1263”
Times 26,723: Slow Down, Whale Crossing
A suitable Friday-level challenge where, to judge by the club leaderboard after 8 hours, coming in under the 10 minute mark is going to be tricky for all but the real power solvers (I certainly … Read more “Times 26,723: Slow Down, Whale Crossing”
Quick Cryptic 829 by Teazel
Opinions will differ, as they always do, but I thought this was another one at the tougher end of the spectrum. It seems to me that the Quicky is following its big brother’s lead in … Read more “Quick Cryptic 829 by Teazel”
TLS 1172 by Talos
… the TLS is easier than you think! This was a very accessible and witty puzzle, with mostly straightforward cryptics and mainstream or entirely optional literary knowledge. And fun to solve. Nicely signed by Talos, … Read more “TLS 1172 by Talos”
Times Quick Cryptic No 828 by Joker
Quite a tricky one today, I thought. All done bar four after 12 minutes, with the stubborn ones taking me right up to the 20 minute mark. 10ac and 17ac gave way before too long … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 828 by Joker”
Times Cryptic 26722 – May 11, 2017 Taking Steppes
19’27” with no particular hold ups and an even quality of cluing. My impression is that there are a lot of single letter additions and subtractions and a broad range of ways to indicate the … Read more “Times Cryptic 26722 – May 11, 2017 Taking Steppes”
Times 26721 – I like a good seabird.
Much to savour in this one, plenty of omission / substitution type word play, but no chemistry or cricket to help me along. It took me around 30 minutes starting with 9a, 10a, and ending … Read more “Times 26721 – I like a good seabird.”
Quick Cryptic 827 by Hurley
Middle of the road, difficulty wise. I enjoyed the humour in 20ac and 8dn, amongst others. I have no idea why Henry = H. Can anyone explain? Definitions underlined. Across 1 Cask she’d toppled — … Read more “Quick Cryptic 827 by Hurley”