Category: Jumbo Cryptic

I seem to have fallen into a pattern with the Jumbos, where the easier ones take just over half an hour, and the harder ones take about an hour.  This one took 32:54, so you … Read more “Jumbo 1272 June 24, 2017”

I’m going to try and schedule this blog to appear automatically on Saturday morning as I’ve got to be up early to catch a train.  When Mrs Penfold asked me if I wanted to go … Read more “Jumbo 1271”

A very nicely constructed puzzle with some good surfaces and non-obvious definitions. I found this one harder – and more enjoyable – than average. Definitions are underlined, * = anagram, {} = omission Across 1 Person … Read more “Jumbo 1270”

Maybe not the easiest ever Times Jumbo, and I’d definitely never come across 40ac before! As always, * indicates an anagram. Across 1 FIRST-DAY COVER – FIRST DAY, + COVER 8 PLAY A PART – … Read more “Times Jumbo 1269”

Took me about six times as long as the last Jumbo I blogged, and I think I might have even snuck a peek at some aids before submitting.  So I hope you all agree this … Read more “Jumbo 1267 May 27, 2017”

Another Bank Holiday Monday one for me. There is nothing contentious about this one, but there are some well constructed clues. Across 1 ARCHITECT – ARCH = structure, IT, E(nglish), CT = court 6 PAPYRUS … Read more “Jumbo 1268”

Hello, me again. I’d categorise this puzzle as being on the easier side of average, taking 35 minutes including all parsings and some on-the-spot research.  My first and last in were the diagonally opposite HEIR … Read more “JUMBO 1266”

A puzzle that I thought was easier than average, with only one unknown (albeit clearly clued) word. Definitions are underlined, * = anagram, {} = omission, dd = double definition, cd = cryptic definition Across … Read more “Jumbo 1265”

I didn’t find this especially difficult, but did carelessly get 2dn wrong initially – note to self: next time check that the anagram contains sufficient Os! As always, * indicates an anagram. Across 1 ANAEROBIC … Read more “Times Jumbo 1264”

I couldn’t have told you what my PB was for a Jumbo, but I can now.   I’m sure my time of 25:06 is much faster than any of my previous efforts.  I’m also sure that … Read more “Jumbo 1262 April 29, 2017”