Category: Weekend Cryptic

For me, this crossword had a very unusual feel. I stalled about 80% finished, and after I eventually found plausible answers for every clue, I had a long list of puzzling things to work through. … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28020 – Saturday, 3 July 2021. Martial Arts, or Music?”

Wonderful puzzle! When I finally arrived at the “part of Botswana” at the end, I felt that I could have, should have, gotten it first, if I’d only taken the time; after all, it’s mainly … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4961, by Dean Mayer — 4-CD Set! All Hits!”

A straightforward Saturday puzzle. Everything made sense on reflection (or on examining the typesetting with a microscope for 10ac!). Thanks to the setter for a very enjoyable puzzle. How did you all get on? [Read … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28014 – Saturday, 26 June 2021. Plain sailing except for the sandbanks.”

13:38. I really liked this puzzle, but I have left blogging until very late (as I write it’s just after midnight on Saturday) so I’m a bit rushed and my memory of solving it is … Read more “Sunday Times 4960 by David McLean – do you speak-a my language?”

Well, the community clearly prefers Saturday blogs to appear the following Saturday, so here it is! Anyone who discovers that their fingers went into autopilot, and typed “that puzzle was easy … unlike this week”, … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28008 – Saturday, 19 June 2021. Saturday rules, OK?”

I really enjoyed this. There are no answers shorter than five letters, and (but of course, it’s Bob!) many slick surfaces evoking amusing images that may distract you so much that you skate right over … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4959, by Robert Price — strength in numbers”

There was concern among comments on last week’s blog about a (to be fair, very mild) suggestion that this puzzle was harder than the week before. Maybe it was, but I found it a delight, … Read more “Times Cryptic No 28002 – Saturday, 12 June 2021. Don’t miss it!”

12:52. A fairly gentle one from Dean this week, and nothing to frighten the horses. There are a few very well-disguised definitions in here (11ac, 2dn, 6dn) that might cause problems but there’s nothing particularly … Read more “Sunday Times 4958 by Dean Mayer”

My major blockage with this one was the Brazilian jet. Thanks to the setter for a very enjoyable puzzle. How did you all get on? [Read more …]Notes for newcomers: The Times offers prizes for … Read more “Times Cryptic No 27996 – Saturday, 5 June 2021. Can Scrabble champions jet through crosswords?”

Ah, I’ve missed traveling lately, as a second spring has passed without my leaving the country. A few months ago, I discovered YouTube videos shot from the engineer’s cab of trains passing through exotic climes—hours … Read more “Sunday Times Cryptic 4957, by David McLean — strange games”