Solving time 9:43 After putting up the placeholder, I forgot that my e-mail inbox would still receive the comments. So from subject lines, I got the idea that this had been a struggle for some. … Read more “23,877 – a bit easier than I expected”
Author: petebiddlecombe
Championship qualifiers
Thursday’s puzzle is the first qualifier for this year’s Times Crossword Championship. We won’t of course have reports on these until after entries have closed. We’ll say whether the blogger thought the puzzle was easy … Read more “Championship qualifiers”
Mephisto 2482 – Mike Laws
Solving time: 26 mins, no books – 2 mistakes I’ve added a penalty minute to my previously quoted time for changing my mind about the answer to 1A. Definition quotes below are Copyright Chambers Harrap … Read more “Mephisto 2482 – Mike Laws”
Last call for S&B 4
Just a quick reminder that some of us are gathering for another pub & grub session next Friday. Full details in this previous posting: http://community.livejournal.com/times_xwd_times/208592.html
Times archive trial offer
This thread at rec.puzzles.crosswords mentions a site offering free trial access to an archive of the Times up to 1985 (N.B. as far as I can see, the length of trial period is not stated). … Read more “Times archive trial offer”
23871 – one for the vicarage breakfast table
Solving time 9:55 A definite puzzle of two halves – the top was quite a struggle but the bottom was straightforward. Last few solved were 9, 11, 12, 5, 6. There are a fair few … Read more “23871 – one for the vicarage breakfast table”
A book to watch out for
On October 8 November 3rd this year, according to Amazon, you’ll be able to buy “How to Master The “Times” Crossword: The “Times” Cryptic Crossword Demystified”. Apparently this is by Tim Moorey, one of the … Read more “A book to watch out for”
23,865 – on the edge
Solving time 27:40 Struggled with this, and was going to say that 9, 10, 18, 3 and 4 were the last answers to go in. But the reason for that was an unfortunate plump for … Read more “23,865 – on the edge”
Times Jumbo 744 (March 1st)
Solving time 16:08 The long hidden word at 20A, a lot of very well-crafted clues, and the mild difficulty level for me, all make me wonder whether this puzzle is from Brian Greer. If not, … Read more “Times Jumbo 744 (March 1st)”
Last UK broadsheet puzzle now blogged
There’s a new blog for the Daily Telegraph puzzle – see the new link on “Other Solving Blogs” on the right. (George’s Listener blog has also been added). This means that all five UK broadsheet … Read more “Last UK broadsheet puzzle now blogged”