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Times for The Times: Times and comments on The Times crossword from a team of solvers

Author: nick_the_novice

Quick Cryptic 842 by Howzat

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 31st May 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Quick Cryptic

An enjoyable puzzle from Howzat (with, ironically, not a cricket reference in sight) featuring a nice variety of clue types. Not too tricky, but not a pushover either – “just about right”, I suspect. Thanks … Read more “Quick Cryptic 842 by Howzat”

View22 Comments on Quick Cryptic 842 by Howzat

Sunday Times 4747 by David McLean

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 28th May 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Weekend Cryptic

By Harry’s exacting standards, I found this one to be at the (relatively) less demanding end of the spectrum, albeit some of the detailed parsing proved quite tricky. 2d requires some lateral thinking, and I … Read more “Sunday Times 4747 by David McLean”

View12 Comments on Sunday Times 4747 by David McLean

Quick Cryptic 832 by Flamande

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 17th May 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Quick Cryptic

One at the easy end of the spectrum which should provide encouragement to those taking their early steps in crosswordland. Nice mix of clue types, and a couple of clues (13d and 14a) where, whilst … Read more “Quick Cryptic 832 by Flamande”

View38 Comments on Quick Cryptic 832 by Flamande

Sunday Times 4745 by Jeff Pearce

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 14th May 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Weekend Cryptic

This, for me, was the most enjoyable Jeff Pearce puzzle that I can remember. Decidedly tricky in parts, several gorgeous surfaces, some very elegant cluing, plenty of wit and not much in the way of … Read more “Sunday Times 4745 by Jeff Pearce”

View14 Comments on Sunday Times 4745 by Jeff Pearce

Quick Cryptic 822 by Pedro

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 3rd May 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Quick Cryptic

I thoroughly enjoyed this offering from Pedro. Not too tricky, but kept me on my toes. The very nice cryptic definition in 18ac took me a while to spot, and 13d was my last one … Read more “Quick Cryptic 822 by Pedro”

View22 Comments on Quick Cryptic 822 by Pedro

Sunday Times 4743 by Dean Mayer

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 30th April 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Weekend Cryptic

I found this to be a particularly tough one from Dean, with several of the answers (or key parts of the wordplay) being unknown to me. In most cases I was able to get around … Read more “Sunday Times 4743 by Dean Mayer”

View20 Comments on Sunday Times 4743 by Dean Mayer

Quick Cryptic 812 by Hurley

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 19th April 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Quick Cryptic

A pleasant, relatively straightforward puzzle from Hurley today. Nothing particularly tricky and not much general knowledge required, although a basic familiarity with rugby positions will help with 13d. Took me a while to spot what … Read more “Quick Cryptic 812 by Hurley”

View31 Comments on Quick Cryptic 812 by Hurley

Sunday Times 4741 by David McLean

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 16th April 2017 at 12:14 AM10 September 2025Categories Weekend Cryptic

I found this one to be at the easier end of the ST spectrum, and a quick glance at the Leaderboard reveals some extraordinarily fast times amongst the senior pros. That said, for me this … Read more “Sunday Times 4741 by David McLean”

View22 Comments on Sunday Times 4741 by David McLean

Quick Cryptic 802 by Felix

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 5th April 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Quick Cryptic

An interesting mix of some straightforward fare and some quite tricky stuff, I thought. Indeed, the detailed parsing of a couple of the answers left me somewhat uncertain: I have a theory regarding 9ac which … Read more “Quick Cryptic 802 by Felix”

View32 Comments on Quick Cryptic 802 by Felix

Sunday Times 4739 by Jeff Pearce

Author   nick_the_novicePosted on 2nd April 2017 at 12:15 AM10 September 2025Categories Weekend Cryptic

I managed to romp through the first three quarters or so of this puzzle without too many alarums and excursions, but was then left with a handful of clues that put up stout resistance and … Read more “Sunday Times 4739 by Jeff Pearce”

View20 Comments on Sunday Times 4739 by Jeff Pearce

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