All you could wish for in this enjoyable offering, I thought; some clever wordplay, a bird and a plant we know, and a couple of things for me to bang on about with a bit of enthusiasm.
Month: August 2022
Times Quick Cryptic No 2212 by Orpheus
I can scarcely be said to have finished this puzzle, but let us say it came to an end in 13:28.
Times Cryptic 28382
My solving time of 25 minutes was well within my target half-hour but would have been even quicker if I had not been delayed by two unknowns at 7dn and 11dn.
Times Quick Cryptic 2211 by Joker
I got off to a good start with 1ac and then just about kept going, although it seemed rather sticky. I finished in the SE with 22dn just on 9 minutes. Looking back this seems like a pretty decent time. Having now had time to appreciate the complexity of the clues and the smoothly polished surfaces, I do congratulate Joker for a great puzzle.
Times Cryptic 28381 August 29, 2022. And That’s what it’s all about.
This is my second and last appearance here for now because Ulaca is in the process of wafting back to reclaim his rightful place in the rotation. It has been a pleasure to have been, … Read more “Times Cryptic 28381 August 29, 2022. And That’s what it’s all about.”
Times Quick Cryptic 2210 by Izetti
I needed 12 minutes for this one as I was delayed by 2, 14 & 18.
Mephisto 3234 – The bureaucrat of Middle Earth
I didn’t find this too bad, but had to give up and leave a few until the next morning. I filled in the bottom readily enough, but the top half was a little more challenging until I had a sudden breakthrough with the fear and the centre of excellence.
Sunday Times Cryptic 5021, by David McLean — lengthy trial
What struck me in particular about this (as ever) challenging and engaging puzzle were the bits of cleverly deceptive wordiness.
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1570 – 12 August 2022. Foolish pursuits
Hi everybody. This didn’t seem hard at first, but proved to have some hidden teeth.
Times Cryptic No 28374 – Saturday, 20 August 2022. Seize the clue.
A few clues caused momentary brain seizures – particularly 20ac, as discussed below, and 24dn. Overall, though, the solve flowed rather smoothly, with pauses for thought at 28ac and 14d. I enjoyed the reference at 13ac!