Category: Quick Cryptic

Times Quick Cryptic No 724 by Teazel Friday, 16 December 2016 A faster-than-average solve on this one, and that included much time staring at 10 across. A very good puzzle for learning the basics of … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 724 by Teazel”

Another fairly chewy offering from Joker which I really enjoyed.  No double definitions, no &lits, a smattering of GK required (11a) and fair clueing with the odd penny dropping moment.  As this took me 18 … Read more “Quick cryptic No 723 by Joker”

A puzzle characterised by some neat surfaces and clever disguises to keep us on our toes. In particular, 9a, 20a and 4d all sent me down blind alleys for a while. Thanks to Tracy for … Read more “Quick Cryptic 722 by Tracy”

The answers didn’t fall into place but neither was I stumped on any clues – so a steady and enjoyable solve in 9 minutes. LOI and COD 14dn for the alternative meaning of lowers. Thanks … Read more “Quick Cryptic 721 by Felix”

8 minutes for this one which I found on the easy side. The surface readings here are particularly good, possibly with one exception which I have noted below. Here’s my blog… As usual definitions are … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic 720 by Flamande”

Found this one to be easier than average, completing it in 3:55.  Hope that means there was some encouragement for those on the beginners’ slopes, and the chance for a fast time (if that’s your … Read more “Quick Cryptic 719 by Rongo”

I was a bit under the 11 minute mark today, making it one of the quicker ones I’ve tried in a while – helped out by a few easy clues, a few familiar clues, and … Read more “Times Quick Cryptic No 718 by Hawthorn”

A straightforward puzzle. I was not entirely familiar with 9ac or 20ac, but both came into consciousness readily enough. Very neat clue at 4dn, which raised a smile. Thanks Hurley (and our resident Time Lord). … Read more “Quick Cryptic 717 by Hurley”

16 minutes for this one which included a few chewy clues – rather more complex in structure than most QCs. As I don’t get much time for the 15×15 these days I enjoyed the cleverness … Read more “Quick Cryptic 716 by Mara”

Not a difficult one from Orpheus today, meaning I had to reluctantly return to Christmas shopping rather sooner than perhaps I might have liked (though the upside of online shopping is that I often end … Read more “Quick Cryptic 715 by Orpheus”