Author: branch

I found this harder than the run of Saturdays recently. Not much that experienced solvers won’t have met before, but you’ll need to have thought about it! Thanks, setter. How did you all do? Note … Read more “Times Cryptic 29430 – Sat, 3 Jan 2026. New year, new test”

I found this a par Saturday crossword, very suitable for the holiday season. The musical theme at 3ac is a delight!

Here in Australia, the period around Christmas and New Year is for lazing in the sun. This puzzle was perfectly suited to that lifestyle!

If I could explain the “mystery” clue, this puzzle would be par for a Saturday!

This was a par Saturday puzzle. It was all solvable, although not everything was smooth sailing.

Another Saturday that contrasted nicely with the Fierce Friday on the day before.

Smurfs are blue. I was sunny – a Saturday of my favourite kind.

I started this one over supper. The better half of the BRANCH household demonstrated an impressive talent for looking at the grid and saying, “that one looks like X”.

I was helped here by knowing a number of things I’ve only met in crosswords.

I started well here, but the last few slowed me down dramatically!