Crossword blog: Meet the setter – Vlad
The latest in our series where we turn the tables on the torturers. Under the spotlight this time is Jim Toal, AKA VladVlad has been setting cryptics and Genius puzzles for the Guardian since 2014. He...
View ArticleCrossword roundup: how do you say 'BAME'?
Prussian blue also features in our pick of the best cryptic cluesIn the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The setter’s name often links to an interview...
View ArticleCryptic crosswords for beginners: doctors
Next in our collection of tips and tricks: references to physicians of all kinds – and even Liam FoxIn the example clues below, I explain both parts of each: the definition of the answer, given in bold...
View ArticleCrossword roundup: nautical metaphors
By and large, it’s our pick of the best of the broadsheets’ cryptic cluesIn the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The setter’s name often links to an...
View ArticleCryptic crosswords for beginners: first and last letters
Our series for those tempted or daunted by cryptics discusses those times when we take the letters from the beginning and end of a wordIn the example clues below, I explain the two parts of each one:...
View ArticleRemembering the crossword setter John Dawson, AKA Chifonie
We say goodbye to a much-loved setter, who has died aged 74A few years ago, the setter Chifonie, who died on 24 September, aged 74, shared with us the view he looked out on while setting crosswords. It...
View ArticleCrossword roundup: has 'toodle-pip' always been a jokey expression?
Bryan Ferry makes his second unexpected appearance in as many weeks in our pick of the best of the broadsheets’ cryptic cluesIn the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our...
View ArticleCrossword blog: a puzzle from the world of Jeeves and Wooster
We talk to novelist Ben Schott about the cryptic crossword he has created for PG Wodehouse’s characters to solveLast Monday, the Times had three cryptic crosswords: the classic Thunderer, the gentler...
View ArticleCrossword roundup: why sisal is like tequila
Some words of Mexican origin and some topical material in our collection of the best cryptic cluesIn the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The setter’s...
View ArticleJohn Dawson obituary
John Dawson, who has died aged 74, provided the Guardian with a very valuable commodity for 26 years: puzzles that a solver could complete without risking mental exhaustion.His clues as “Chifonie”were...
View ArticleCrossword blog: Cryptics in America No 2
2021 may be a good year for that minority pursuit, the US cryptic crosswordYou can get cryptic crosswords in the US – but you have to know where to look. As of 1947, you were guaranteed some quality...
View ArticleCrossword roundup: aggro and bovver
We ask whether the word ‘aggro’ has made a return in our pick of the best of the broadsheets’ cryptic cluesIn the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The...
View ArticleCrossword blog: the next dimension
Nine Guardian setters have taken part in a collection of puzzles with a twistWith long periods indoors ahead, many of us have been stocking up on crosswords. Not panic-buying, that would be...
View ArticleCrossword blog: the French don't talk about brassières
A special focus on underwear in this wintry collection of the best of the broadsheets’ cryptic cluesIn the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The setter’s...
View ArticleCrossword blog: Meet the setter – Vulcan
The latest in our series where we turn the tables on the torturers. Under the spotlight this time is Richard Browne, AKA Vulcan (and others)Our next setter met is Richard Browne, who is close to...
View ArticleCrossword blog: the words of 2020
Some new words in our pick of the best of the broadsheets’ cryptic cluesIn the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The setter’s name often links to an...
View ArticleCrossword blog: American-style puzzle No 14 – Let Him Go
Another puzzle in our American-style series – along with some tips on how to tackle itHere’s another puzzle in our American-style series, in digital and printable form.For those new to the style:Every...
View ArticleCrossword roundup: collecting puzzles for the winter nights
A chance to share puzzles and virtual meet-ups while we watch the evenings start to get longer In the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The setter’s name...
View ArticleCrossword blog: Simon Evans and Paul's collaboration over the Lake District
Guardian setter Paul is staging a series of charity crossword events in January and February featuring famous faces including Susan Tully, Dave Gorman and Sophie Winkleman. We speak to one participant,...
View ArticleCrossword roundup: cold Turkish delight
The best of the broadsheets and other distractions and comfortsIn the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The setter’s name often links to an interview with...
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