Solving time: 6:55 An easier puzzle than I was expecting today, though I was probably helped by some strange words remembered from barred-grid puzzles. Last to go in were these in the NW corner – … Read more “24475”
Author: petebiddlecombe
24469
Solving time: 18:32 Solved late at night as I have to be away early tomorrow. Slowish start, and then had four left after 11:30 or so, in the dreaded “2 cross 2” formation – 18, … Read more “24469”
Mephisto 2581 – Mike Laws
An easy puzzle, solved in about half an hour in three different bursts. A quick recap suggests that about 19 of the clues are daily paper difficulty. Only the 33/26 crossing needed Chambers for confirmation … Read more “Mephisto 2581 – Mike Laws”
Happy Birthday & Farewell, Roy Dean
Roy Dean, first Times Crossword Champion and current setter, is 83 today – the day when his last puzzle is printed in the Times. I believe the printed version has a note to tell you, … Read more “Happy Birthday & Farewell, Roy Dean”
24463
22:45 for this – the hard one which Jimbo has been waiting for. Tackled late last night so maybe I wasn’t in my sharpest form, but 27 was my first answer, with 13 following swiftly, … Read more “24463”
Times 24457
Solving time: 7:24 I’m away for most of the day so this is posted early and I won’t see comments for about 18 hours. Wondering what Jimbo will think of this one, as the religion … Read more “Times 24457”
Jumbo 855
Solving time: 43 minutes in a slightly dozy state – probably worth 38 when alert. Across 6 O,PENS,E,SAME=unchanged – “spelling words” are those casting a spell = magical command, of which this is an example … Read more “Jumbo 855”
24449 – 80th anniversary puzzle + links for today’s historic puzzles
Today’s puzzle will almost certainly be a bit different, as today is the 80th anniversary of the publication of Times Crossword No. 1, on 1/2/1930 – report now filed below. There’s an article about current … Read more “24449 – 80th anniversary puzzle + links for today’s historic puzzles”
Football colours
Here’s a rash prediction: the 18 UK professional soccer teams whose home colours seem to me a reasonable reference in a present-day Times crossword. This is partly based on the fame of the team, partly … Read more “Football colours”
80th anniversary
For those who don’t know yet next Monday (1st February) will be the 80th anniversary of the Times crossword. After a few trial runs in the paper’s weekly edition, Times Crossword No. 1 appeared on … Read more “80th anniversary”