Category: Jumbo Cryptic

A 36 minute slog with few highlights. I’m never keen on “dictionary” words, but this one had four – australopithecus, raclette, horus and imbricated – all in the top right corner. There were two others … Read more “Jumbo 859 – 20 Feb 2010”

I timed myself roughly for this one – aiming to be quick, and finished in under 30 minutes, so it was not too taxing. I did check two solutions afterwards, but references confirmed my entries. … Read more “Jumbo 858 – The Birds”

The usual Jumbo rubric: as the solution is available alongside (or indeed before) the blog, comment is confined only to references that might remain obscure to overseas / inexperienced solvers even with the answer visible, … Read more “Times Jumbo 857”

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”

It was only when writing this blog that I realised how good this crossword was.  After solving I felt as if I hadn’t really enjoyed it, but I realise now that I must have been punch-drunk … Read more “Jumbo 854 – January 16th 2010”

The usual Jumbo rubric: as the solution is available alongside (or indeed before) the blog, comment is confined only to references that might remain obscure to overseas / inexperienced solvers even with the answer visible, … Read more “Jumbo 852”

I did not record my time, but this certainly kept me entertained. In my opinion there were a number of excellent clues, particularly 28 Down where when the solution dawned I could not help smiling. I hope … Read more “Jumbo 853”

Solving time: Just under 2 hours, albeit with several interruptions, and one unsolved without aids. There’s no danger of this puzzle being labelled as UK-centric. In fact, if anything, it’s US-centric with references to their … Read more “BH Jumbo 851 – 1st Jan 2010 – Happy New Year!”

This was a pretty tough jumbo, taking just under an hour in two sessions, though the first of these was late at night. When choosing clues to explain, I marked all but about 10 as … Read more “Jumbo 850”

A very enjoyable crossword with a good mix of easy and tricky clues and a fair few jokes. It took 36 minutes before I gave up and looked up the answer to 25a – don’t … Read more “Xmas Eve Jumbo – 24th December 2009”