Hi all. For once I have a proper solving time to report as I put my head down for a single jumbo session. I started well, with lots done after 20 minutes, but after that was surprised to finish in (just) under 45 minutes, which is good for me for a Jumbo. Had to trust the wordplay in quite a few places, and the last quarter of an hour or so could have easily taken twice as long and ended with gaps or wrong answers, so I was lucky. Thanks setter!
Author: Kitty
Times Quick Cryptic 2275 by Pedro
Hi everyone. There’s a bit of a sciencey feel to this offering from Pedro, which always goes down well with me.
Times Quick Cryptic 2265 by Hawthorn
Hi everybody. I started apace, then slowed down somewhat to finish in a normal-for-me-for-a-quickie time of 07:16. My last in was 3d: I knew I needed to think a bit laterally, but still took a few moments to coax my creaky brain up a gear. No complaints – which, considering that I’m in a distinctly grumpy mood as I write this, might just be high praise! 5a is my COD – for the penny-drop, natch. Thanks Hawthorn!
Times Quick Cryptic 2255 by Breadman
Hi all. I’m a little bleary after a sociable weekend in York, so will be brief today. No dramas to report, no time notably slow or fast, just another good Quick Cryptic. Thanks Breadman!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1580 – 15 October 2022. Cryptic inspected, filled with old tricks
Greetings from York, where I am in attendance at John Henderson’s annual Sloggers & Betters gathering. As a result I may be late and/or or under the influence when replying to any comments.
I solved most of this on the journey up, and it was certainly a welcome diversion from being crammed with fellow suffers into an overcrowded train.
Times Quick Cryptic 2251 by Orpheus
Hi everyone. While Chris is busy grandson sitting, I am the first of those sitting in for him here.
A puzzle to phone a friend about? I ask because a cockney reference and no less than three dogs (two of them eating) made me think of dog and bone. I was almost tempted to take inspiration from Astro_Nowt and pen some suitable lines, but you are spared my doggerel!
Times Quick Cryptic 2245 by Mara
Hello everybody. I think it’s safe to say this is a puzzle for those who appreciate one particular clue type …
Times Quick Cryptic 2235 by Joker
Hi all. My second Joker to blog comes directly after my first. Is there a special name for a pair of Jokers? Two weeks ago many of you found the puzzle very tricky and I will be interested to hear how you fared this time around. In my case, today’s took 30 fewer seconds (or about 7% less time) and I was slower in the south than the north, ending up in the SE. Even as I stare down into the pit, my favourite is 6d. Thanks Joker!
Times Cryptic Jumbo 1575 – 10 September 2022. The Scottish Wordplay
Hello all. I doubt I’ll be alone in nominating 14a as Clue of the Day – its subject is hardly going to be outside the solver’s sphere of interest, after all! 18a was also neat, and I liked the long answers too. A happy cat (as seen today grinning in 32a) will always produce a happy Kitty, as will generally a reverse clue – and 35a was a little more interesting than standard.
Times Quick Cryptic 2225 by Joker
Hi everyone. I enjoyed this puzzle from Joker; for me it was mid-range difficulty, but I’m used to being out of step with the majority of you on that front so will await your input with interest. I particularly liked 1d. Thanks Joker!