Category: Quick Cryptic

Solving time: 7 minutes. I thought this was easy. I hope you did too but look forward to all comments. As usual definitions are underlined in bold italics, {deletions and substitutions are in curly brackets} … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1620 by Orpheus”

Some people get all the fun… After the super VE Day Anniversary crossword two weeks ago, today I have the bonus of blogging a crossword from Alfie. Not a prolific setter here (under that pseudonym … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1619 by Alfie”

I had most of this polished off by the 6 minute mark, but it took almost as long again to unravel the remaining three (14ac, 22ac and 15d). A large part of that was due … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1618 by Hurley”

I thought this was kind of tricky, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this is one of those puzzles that splits us down the middle; the more experienced solvers not really noticing the sideways, superficial … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1617 by Mara”

I particularly enjoyed this puzzle as it seemed to be that good blend of challenge and get-ability which makes a QC. There were also many smiles along the way notably 1, 9, 15, and 16 … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1616 by Wurm”

Nothing to scare the horses too much here. Inspired by Templarredux’s feat from my last blogging day, I have decided to try and do all QCs as ‘clean sweeps’, i.e. do all the clues strictly … Read more “Quick Cryptic 1615 by Tracy”

By some mistake The Times has given us 1614 by Mara and 1615 by Tracy today, one in the Crossword Club and both in the online newspaper. The blog for 1615 had already been posted … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1614 by Mara”

Whilst there were some very nice clues here, and nothing obscure or unusual, I’m not convinced that this offering from Izetti is up to his usual very high standards.  It may just be me, but … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1613 by Izetti”

Introduction 18:35. Without question the most difficult Quickie I’ve ever attempted. It was a real struggle to get home, and for a time I thought I might give up. Nevertheless, I appreciated having to think … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 1612 by Teazel”

Getting the long clues surrounding the grid straight off would help – I got 2 out of 4 so didn’t come up with a fast time – 11 minutes. The rest were reasonably straight forward … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 1611 by Orpheus”