Hi all. I hope 2026 is treating you well.
Oink typically provides smooth and not too difficult puzzles, and I found this to be such. I expect a wide selection of favourite clues today. Thanks Oink!
Month: January 2026
Times 29431 – Just right!
I would have to say that this puzzle is very, very good without being excessively tricky. Everything is completely fair, you just have to take what the setter says and run with it. I tried to speed up by putting in the easy answers and biffing the rest, but to no avail.
Mephisto 3409 – Robert Teuton
Greetings, barred-grid fans.
Sunday Times 5196 by Dean Mayer
41:15. I started this puzzle on the 28th, decided I was too exhausted to tackle it, and saved it until the next day when I was feeling a little more rested and had plenty of … Read more “Sunday Times 5196 by Dean Mayer”
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1765 – 20 December 2025. Scrappy New Year!
Happy New Year to you all!
This was certainly on the tricky side. I don’t have a proper time as my “solvemate” and I did it together, but it was a good puzzle for sharing, with plenty of cunning tricks and misdirection. Thanks setter.
Quick Cryptic 3189 by City
A ragman rarely seen in this City…
Times Cryptic 29424 – Sat, 27 December 2025. Twixtmas treat.
I found this a par Saturday crossword, very suitable for the holiday season. The musical theme at 3ac is a delight!
Quick Cryptic 3188 by Breadman
Easy squeezy cheesy peasy
Times Cryptic No 29429 — Starting the year on the right foot
37:29. I was concerned about solving a Friday puzzle after an early morning and long day of plane travel, but I’m quite pleased with this time for what seems to be a difficult puzzle.
Quick Cryptic 3187 by Izetti – Ouch!
A fairly easy puzzle, but the blog was anything but easy. See within.