Solving time: 37 minutes. I found this straightforward. 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 usually … Read more “Times Cryptic 28208”
Month: February 2022
Times Quick Cryptic 2066 by Oink
8 minutes for a quick QC. Oink makes an appearance or two in this pleasant and enjoyable solve. Definitions are underlined. Across 1 A mistake, whichever way you look at it (4) BOOB – a … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 2066 by Oink”
Times 28207 – The kind of politician we could use…
Time: 31 minutesMusic: Shostakovich, Symphony 15, Ormandy/PhilSO I did not find this such an easy Monday – there are quite a few things here that various solvers might not know. Since a cryptic usually gives … Read more “Times 28207 – The kind of politician we could use…”
QC 2065 by Mara
I don’t think I was fully on my game here as I seem to remember quite a few blank spaces before getting my FOI which I think was 15A. Once the answers started going in … Read more “QC 2065 by Mara”
Sunday Times 4992 by Robert Price – what rough beast
10:41. Another absolutely cracking puzzle from Bob this week. Not particularly hard, but great fun. A couple of particularly brilliant ones I’ve highlighted in the comments. Definitions are underlined, anagrams indicated like (TIHS)*, anagram indicators … Read more “Sunday Times 4992 by Robert Price – what rough beast”
Mephisto 3205 – Don Manley
Greetings barred-grid fans. If there is one thing about Don Manley puzzles, it is that you can trust the wordplay. I started this while I was at work and did not have access to Chambers, … Read more “Mephisto 3205 – Don Manley”
Times Cryptic No 28200 – Saturday, 29 January 2022. Smooth sailing for a Saturday.
Someone asked last week how Saturday puzzles compare with weekdays. I think in general they occupy middle ground between Mellow Mondays and Fierce Fridays. What do you all think? This puzzle though might be an … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28200 – Saturday, 29 January 2022. Smooth sailing for a Saturday.”
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1538 – 22 January 2022
Hello again. This Jumbo I thought was medium hard, with a fair number of straightforward clues and a few stinkers thrown in. To me it seemed to have an unusually high level of obscurities for … Read more “Times Cryptic Jumbo 1538 – 22 January 2022”
Quick Cryptic 2064 by Teazel
I found this a bit odd. Hard to get going, even though 1 ac is pretty obvious in hindsight. I’ve got issues with some of the clues as detailed below, and some might find this tricky as … Read more “Quick Cryptic 2064 by Teazel”
Times 28,205: Anyone For Tennis?
I was slowed down a little bit, a little bit in the SE where 20dn followed. by 22ac were the two last to fall, but overall there weren’t many speedbumps in this tractable puzzle. I … Read more “Times 28,205: Anyone For Tennis?”