Solving time: 34 minutes. For an easyish puzzle this one seemed to take ages to blog as some of the clues have less than straightforward wordplay. But perhaps it was just me making heavy weather … Read more “Times Cryptic 28148”
Month: November 2021
Times Quick Cryptic 2016 by Breadman
A handful of clues here to trip up the unsuspecting solver. While I sympathise with those who might say that some of these answers are slightly obscure, and therfore inappropriate in a QC, there is … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2016 by Breadman”
Times 28147 – “In al his lyf, unto no maner wight…..”
Time: 26 minutesMusic: Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake, Previn/LSO. I thought this was going to be an easy Monday, as I raced through the the NW corner, but there were some clues in the other quadrants that … Read more “Times 28147 – “In al his lyf, unto no maner wight…..””
QC 2015 by Jalna
Hi Jalna, I don’t think we have ever met before, but thank you for this elegant offering which took me back to one of my favourite works of literature (Ulysses) and managed a slyly topical … Read more “QC 2015 by Jalna”
Sunday Times 4982 by Dean Mayer – naughty in My sight
11:39. Another fine puzzle from Dean. Nothing too difficult, but a few unusual words that required attention to wordplay. My last in was 9d, where the answer seemed obvious but the wordplay certainly wasn’t and … Read more “Sunday Times 4982 by Dean Mayer – naughty in My sight”
Mephisto 3195 – Paul McKenna
Geetings barred-grid fans! Paul McKenna has taken us to some of the deep cuts in Chambers this week for a puzzle I found particularly challenging, but a lot of fun reading up on the components. … Read more “Mephisto 3195 – Paul McKenna”
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1526 – Whatever happened to Leon Trotsky?
Pretty much a 60-minute puzzle so arguably a bit harder than average for a jumbo. There were several clues of a particular type I’ve struggled to categorise which are neither nowt nor summat as they … Read more “Times Cryptic Jumbo 1526 – Whatever happened to Leon Trotsky?”
Times Cryptic No 28140 – Saturday, 20 November 2021. Saturday satisfaction.
A comment on a recent Saturday blog suggested some solvers like to do the Saturday puzzle as a good practice ground for their cryptic skills. This definitely should have fit the bill. Not easy, not … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28140 – Saturday, 20 November 2021. Saturday satisfaction.”
Quick Cryptic 2014 by Izetti
So I came in slightly over target at 6 and a bit minutes. It’s got a whole bunch of crossword staples that you either know or you don’t, (LING, IDE, ELL) which makes me think … Read more “Quick Cryptic 2014 by Izetti”
Times 28,145: Engineers, Artillery, Academicians – The Royal Family
I am feeling under the weather and this was not a super-quick solve, so the setter’s Friday duties can be said to have been discharged; but this is not my favourite type of puzzle I … Read more “Times 28,145: Engineers, Artillery, Academicians – The Royal Family”