Solving time: 48 minutes with one resort to aids. As usual definitions are underlined in bold italics, {deletions and substitutions are in curly brackets} and [anagrinds, containment, reversal and other indicators in square ones]. I … Read more “Times Cryptic 27536”
Month: December 2019
Times Quick Cryptic 1506 by Izetti
On holiday so as brief as ever. Having struggled in the top half, I was lining this one up as difficult but progress further down and a 13 minute finish has made me ease the … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1506 by Izetti”
QC 1505 by Teazel
No idea about timing for this one, I was away on holiday at the time and too much else was going on, but I thought it was above average difficulty for a Monday quickie. Looking … Read more “QC 1505 by Teazel”
Times 27535 – “Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear….
Time: 27 minutesMusic: Stan Getz, Sweet Rain We’re back, I would say, to easy Monday, although there were a few things I just didn’t know. Fortunately, you can just take the cryptics and run with … Read more “Times 27535 – “Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear….”
Sunday Times 4880 by David McLean
11:59. A very straightforward one from Harry this week. I had a few queries while solving which I’ve highlighted in the blog but I managed to work everything out after the fact. Since this is … Read more “Sunday Times 4880 by David McLean”
Mephisto 3093 – Paul McKenna
I didn’t find this one too difficult overall though if I recall the top half filled up faster than the bottom half. That helped me get the pun on CASCADING in the top row pretty … Read more “Mephisto 3093 – Paul McKenna”
Times Cryptic No 27528 – Saturday, 07 December 2019. Three’s a crowd.
What a delight. No obscure general knowledge except perhaps 12 or 20ac, but much to puzzle and surprise the solver. My LOI was 21dn, after an alphabet trawl and some subsequent head scratching. My clue … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27528 – Saturday, 07 December 2019. Three’s a crowd.”
Times Cryptic Jumbo No 1412 – 30th November
I thought this a nice middle-of-the-road Jumbo with plenty of straightforward clues to get you going and then a few that needed more effort. Only one unknown for me, the word “mahlstick” in the clue … Read more “Times Cryptic Jumbo No 1412 – 30th November”
Quick Cryptic 1504 by Joker
A welcome 6-minute romp for me after a bit of a late night. Not too hard but very neatly clued and thoroughly enjoyable. Contains a few of the staple niche definitions found in crosswordland, that some … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1504 by Joker”
Times 27,533: Vernacular Spectacular
A third easier-than-average Friday in a row – what is the world coming to? I rate this a difficulty 2 of a possible 5. FOI 1ac, LOI 14ac once I finally ruled out FIRE. WOD … Read more “Times 27,533: Vernacular Spectacular”