Category: Quick Cryptic

Times Quick Cryptic No 764 by Hurley Friday, 10 February 2017 Good learning puzzle this, with lots of basic cluecraft involved. Possibly too many anagrams, which, once you spot them, are easily solvable. Last blog … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 764 by Hurley Friday, 10 February 2017”

I was expecting a tougher challenge after a string of easier QCs this week, but actually this was comfortably completed inside my target time of 15m.  I was helped by a high percentage of anagram clues … Read more “Quick cryptic No 763 by Felix”

I thought this was a pleasant, gentle offering from Flamande at the easier end of the QC spectrum. Probably a particularly good puzzle for newcomers to the dark art as it does make extensive use … Read more “Quick Cryptic 762 by Flamande”

A quite swift (just under 10 minutes), saucy (see 11ac) and beautifully formed crossword with which I had some fun (see 18dn) – so a big thank you to Tracy. Three 13 letter clues may … Read more “Quick Cryptic 761 by Tracy”

At 15 minutes I found this one really tricky, taking what seemed like ages to get started and then having a complete blind spot when it came to my last one in at 3dn. I’m … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 760 by Mara”

Morning all.  Many of you will recall that Izetti got the new year started for us with a bit of a stinker.  He then graciously reponded to our grizzling by hoping that 2017 would improve … Read more “Quick Cryptic 759 by Izetti”

This was my slowest time after a few speedyish days, coming in at 12-and-a-half minutes, so maybe slightly harder than average. Bonus new word (or re-learnt word), which is always nice, and one I’ll try … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 758 by Rongo”

A true quickie today, but not chock-full of double definitions, so still satisfying. I’m a little unfamiliar with 17ac; presumably the clue is referring to one who stares into space? And it took me a … Read more “Quick Cryptic 757 by Joker”

A wholly enjoyable 15 minutes – this period of fun and frivolity extended by the long clues round the edges. I was also easily led into misdirection – particularly at 8ac and 14dn. Unusually we … Read more “Quick Cryptic 756 by Pedro”

Unless I’m mistaken, this is the debut appearance of our setter Howzat (or at least the debut appearance of this particular incarnation of an existing setter), bringing the number of different pseudonyms in the Quicky … Read more “Quick Cryptic 755 by Howzat”