Category: Weekend Cryptic

A comment on a recent Saturday blog suggested some solvers like to do the Saturday puzzle as a good practice ground for their cryptic skills. This definitely should have fit the bill. Not easy, not … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28140 – Saturday, 20 November 2021. Saturday satisfaction.”

Synchronicity! Not long after I had gotten comfy in front of my SmartTV to work this in my usual unhurried fashion, YouTube offered a video of a Thelonious Monk performance, which you can bet I … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4981, by David McLean — Straight, No Chaser”

I found this very enjoyable. No “impossible” clues – either the wordplay gave the answer, or the answer was part of known space. Thanks to the setter for a very enjoyable puzzle. How did you … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28134 – Saturday, 13 November 2021. Steady as you go.”

19:36. I found this tricky, but highly enjoyable as usual from Bob. This one features a handful of cryptic definitions, which is not everyone’s favourite clue type, but these are very good ones. 22ac is … Read more “Sunday Times 4980 by Robert Price”

This felt like one from the archives. Lots of references to things long since lost. I thought I caught a whiff of fustiness at 24dn, 5dn, and particularly the reference to the blonde bombshell at … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28128 – Saturday, 6 November 2021. Everything old is old again.”

…last of all, as it happened. Must have heard of this fellow before, though. He was quite an achiever. There is a charming note ending the online Britannica entry that I just had to include … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4979, by Dean Mayer — THE DOCTOR IS IN”

This puzzle had an original feel about it! There were clues I admired, others not so much, and some I didn’t understand until I realised I’d got the wrong answer! (Saved by the blogging!) My … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28122 – Saturday, 30 October 2021. As easy as ABC(D)?”

24:43. Apologies for the delay this week. I could make up an elaborate excuse involving the clocks going back or something but the reality is that I was very busy and just forgot. I found … Read more “Sunday Times 4978 by David McLean – better late than never”

There were people here who were clear enough from the wordplay, but I looked them up aftrwards out of curiosity. Overall, a pleasant solve. I liked 12ac. Thanks to the setter for a very enjoyable … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28116 – Saturday, 23 October 2021. Who’s who?”

A painless and entirely successful operation! Inspired by 14—or just for the hell of it—I’m listening (via YouTube Music) to Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s fourth studio album, whose title I’ve copped for my headline. I … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4977, by Robert Price — Brain Salad Surgery”