Author: branch

Here we have TV shows, stage plays. Fun parks. Trashy paperbacks. Track and field sports, or a quiet ale. Something for everyone! Thanks to the setter for a very enjoyable puzzle. How did you all … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27990 – Saturday, 29 May 2021. Roll up, roll up … fun for all!”

I was stumped by 12ac. The rest was Saturday standard. Thanks to the setter for a very enjoyable puzzle. How did you all get on? [Read more …]Notes for newcomers: The Times offers prizes for … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27984 – Saturday, 22 May 2021. Geographically challenged.”

Surprised, that is, that I took so long with 20ac, where the answer wasn’t “omigod”. 19dn also took longer than it ought, but I smiled at the answer. A generous run of double definitions in … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27978 – Saturday, 15 May 2021. Omigod, I’m surprised.”

This went fairly quickly until I found myself staring at 19dn in frustration. It could only be what it was, but why!? Was it going to be another of those inexplicable clues, like the one … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27972 – Saturday, 8 May 2021. Another of life’s little mysteries?”

Last Saturday was busy for me, and I did this in snatches. So it was an extended solve, but I don’t think it was harder than usual. My ignorance of 1ac is all encompassing, so … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27966 – Saturday, 1 May 2021. Done by dinner.”

This was fun. About standard weight for a Saturday puzzle, with lots to enjoy. I confess that once I saw the helpers for 14dn, I decided I had no interest in trying to guess where … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27960 – Saturday, 24 April 2021. In dire straits?”

Well, that was easier than usual, I thought. I didn’t have the parochial knowledge to understand 13dn, but I got it from the helpers. For the rest, I can see the blog will be straightforward. … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27954 – Saturday, 17 April 2021. Not in this parish.”

Well, that was harder than the usual Saturday fare. Lots of answers hovered beyond the edge of my memory for a long time. I had more trouble with the LHS than the RHS of the … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27948 – Saturday, 10 April 2021.”

I’m writing this blog well after the event, so I don’t remember much about the experience. I did love the cunning definition at 2dn! There were other touches of enlightenment I remember too. Thanks to … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27942 – Saturday, 3 April 2021. Late to the party.”

This Crossword had a very fresh feel to it. Was it a new or different setter, I wonder? I got though it very quickly but paused to admire clue after clue as I went. I … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27936 – Saturday, 27 March 2021. New and different?”