Quite a few double definitions (DDs) and cryptic definitions (CDs) in this more difficult than usual (SNITCH allowing) Monday offering from a setter who was either in his/her most mischievous mode or had perhaps been … Read more “Times 27517 – Absolutely spliffing!”
Month: November 2019
Times Quick Cryptic 1490 by Orpheus
At 6 minutes this was equal to my fastest regular solving time as achieved on 30 previous occasions. I’ve beaten it only twice over the years, coming in at 5 minutes. For the record, I … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1490 by Orpheus”
Mephisto 3090 – Paul McKenna
Unless you’re very experienced you are unlikely to solve a Mephisto without using Chambers. The idea is that you use the precise wordplay to derive an answer that you then verify in the dictionary. 16A … Read more “Mephisto 3090 – Paul McKenna”
Sunday Times Cryptic No 4877, 17 XI 2019, by David McLean — Zing!
A good assortment of varied clues here, from hidden word to &lit, but only one involving reversal, which seems slightly unusual. Probably a pretty easy outing for most of the regulars. I do (ragnasam)* like … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic No 4877, 17 XI 2019, by David McLean — Zing!”
Times Cryptic No 27510 – Saturday, 16 November 2019. Done like a dinner (or lunch).
I went through this at a brisk clip over lunch and had the blog finished over coffee, but there was lots to enjoy. My last two in were 19dn and 25ac, both of which made … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27510 – Saturday, 16 November 2019. Done like a dinner (or lunch).”
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1409: Shout Out To The 19 Downs
Super super Jumbo with every clue on the spectrum of thoroughly likeable to actively brilliant – my hat is off to the setter. FOI 5ac, LOI, taking a good few minutes, 3dn, as ingenious and … Read more “Times Cryptic Jumbo 1409: Shout Out To The 19 Downs”
Times Quick Cryptic No 1489 by Mara – Shedding a tear for the deer
“Well, this is a lovely entertaining QC”, I thought as I worked through this puzzle from Mara. I am reminded that my son has his driving test next week by the amount of reversing involved. … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1489 by Mara – Shedding a tear for the deer”
Times 27,515: Never Tell Me The 4d!
Can you see yourself getting three puzzles like this done inside an hour? If you can then there is no reason you shouldn’t be competing in Champs on December 7th, and even if you can’t … Read more “Times 27,515: Never Tell Me The 4d!”
Times Quick Cryptic No 1488 by Izetti
On more of an even keel today after a bit of a struggle with yesterday’s: I was four minutes over my target with that one and came in two minutes under today, so it wasn’t … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1488 by Izetti”
27514 Thursday, 21 November 2019 Consuming passions
An amiable puzzle with not too much to send you diving to the reference books, which I resolved in a tad under 17 minutes, the top right resisting most. There is, for me, an impression … Read more “27514 Thursday, 21 November 2019 Consuming passions”