In aid of RNIB and BBC Children in Need
Clues by Enigmatist and Grid by Gin Enter the prize draw by 30 November. The background for this puzzle is a Michael Reichelt photo of the moss-covered roots of a tree. This puzzle by Enigmatist uses a conventional 9x5x5 grid by Gin and concerns ten dates of varying historical significance. A document, a dynasty, a heroine, an… Read more Hints & Tips November 2025
Clues by Guinevere and Grid by Komorník. Essentially, what we have here is a Theme and Variations puzzle — a traditional cryptic format which I feel has fallen out of fashion, although I am not sure why, because T&Vs can be very satisfying, just as this one proved to be.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning your entries in the annual 3D Crosswords competitions. Both the World Championship and the RPM Trophy involve designing a 3D crossword grid and as such are a rich source of grids for future calendars. This could be your chance to get your very own puzzle… Read more 2025 World Championship & RPM Trophy Competitions
Clues and Grid by Shark. Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, following the appearance of Jaws in June, along comes another Shark, and, as we shall see later, this one has some very sharp teeth indeed.
Clues and Grid by Shark Enter the prize draw by 31 October. The background for this puzzle is a Bernard Spragg photo of a small wooden church surrounded by trees displaying autumn colours. This puzzle by Shark uses a 7x5x5 grid with a couple of additional cells providing 8-letter rows in the top and bottom layers. It… Read more Hints & Tips October 2025
Clues by Soup and Grid by Komorník. A toppled conical grid with a (for these puzzles, very) large base 13 spaces in diameter and 12 in circumference, tapering to a single letter at the peak provides the vehicle for this month.
Clues by Soup and Grid by Komorník Enter the prize draw by 30 September. The background for this puzzle is a Dennis Sylvester Hurd photo of a monkey eating an ice cream in a cornet wafer. This puzzle by Soup uses an innovative conical grid by Komorník consisting of seven progressively smaller dials, the last of which… Read more Hints & Tips September 2025
Clues by Vlad and Grid by Calluna. It’s high summer, so now is an ideal time to relax in the garden on a sunny weekend afternoon with a glass of white wine and an entertaining thematic crossword.
Clues by Vlad and Grid by Calluna Enter the prize draw by 31 August. The background for this puzzle is an Elijah Henderson photo of a zebra. This puzzle by Vlad uses a conventional 9x7x5 grid by Calluna commemorating those responsible for a movement in a period of British culture. Like Calluna, this movement has a strong… Read more Hints & Tips August 2025
Clues and Grid by Sirius. A really odd puzzle this month. It’s a dial puzzle (as we’d expect from Sirius), but it’s turned on its side and deformed a bit, making it look more like an eel trap or… something.