Original copy lost, so I solved this again. I think it took me the usual 15-20 minutes for an easyish jumbo. Just explaining what I think are the toughest few clues here – ask in … Read more “Jumbo 714 – Herod, Henry and George”
Unofficial Times cryptic RTC No. 8 – your times please
This is a weekly unofficial contest based on your times for the Times cryptic crossword from Saturday to Friday. In July 2007, someone commenting on Tony Sever’s Times 2 RTC blog suggested a competition like … Read more “Unofficial Times cryptic RTC No. 8 – your times please”
23,700 – The Cat’s Pyjamas
A relatively quick solve – and I learned a new word – Newfie. Solving time – 7m32s ACROSS 3 CARPET MOTH – Axminster was a giveaway, making this an easy first answer to enter into … Read more “23,700 – The Cat’s Pyjamas”
23,699 – talking points
Solving time: 15:36 Two more composers, Charpentier and Barber, whose names I know, but I would have difficulty telling you any more about them beyond reasonably confident stabs at their nationalities. Still, knowing names is … Read more “23,699 – talking points”
23698 – prickly flowers
After yesterday’s fairly difficult vocabulary and music and lit. references, a puzzle where there’s little knowledge needed except for some food and drink and one bit of gardening. Not as easy as Monday’s, but there … Read more “23698 – prickly flowers”
Times 23697/tough birds
Solving time: 43:30 A lot easier than last week’s Tuesday and a lot harder than yesterday’s. I made quite good progress at first, so good that I thought another sub-30’ was in the cards, but … Read more “Times 23697/tough birds”
23696 – easy Monday
Solving time: 20:40Shaved 2 minutes off my previous personal best from last Thursday, but this time I did understand all the wordplay as I entered the answers! Almost – see 2D. I thought I was … Read more “23696 – easy Monday”
Unofficial Times cryptic RTC contest No. 7 – results
The key to success this week was avoiding mistakes on 23,691 and 23,694. Only four entrants came through unscathed, with Mark Goodliffe taking a fairly easy win in both contests and becoming the first to … Read more “Unofficial Times cryptic RTC contest No. 7 – results”
ST 4239 (Sun 26 Aug) – Water rabies
Solving time: 3:52 Howler of the week goes to 21dn. (If in fact this is my howler then apologies in advance to setter and readers; I probably won’t be able to reply to any comments … Read more “ST 4239 (Sun 26 Aug) – Water rabies”
23691 Postscript – Congratulations Anax!
I don’t usually encourage setter-naming here, as I don’t want to amend the anonymity policy of The Times on their behalf, but just occasionally, rules can be broken. In a posting last November, I mentioned … Read more “23691 Postscript – Congratulations Anax!”