Guardian Cryptic Today

[falltutt]

Quite frankly, my heart sinks when I see Maskerade - I find no pleasure in it the way he/she has put that together - I was looking forward to today's as well.... hey ho

[allanmcgee]

couldnt agree more falitut. I look forward to the 'prize" xword each week and the hour or so brain flexing and complete it most weeks, but this isnt a crossword puzzle its a cipher and typical Maskerade, compiled for their own gratification rather than the solvers. I didnt work for Bletchley so I'm giving it a miss. I like a tough challenge but I've other things to do like celebrate Xmas!!!

[haras2]

I agree with you falltutt - it's so disappointing when you just don't know where to begin....☹

 

[Semwah]

I agree, my heart also sinks when I see Maskarade. I don't enjoy any of his puzzles. Araucaria spoiled us when it came to Bank Holiday specials.

[roslyn251254]

1d is a good place to start....then that helps with a few acrosses...

[Tilly2]

I can't find it. Which section and page is it please?

[roslyn251254]

online version:

https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2024/12/20/Christmas_2024_special_cryptic_-_29572.pdf

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Roslyn. It's not in the paper then?

[Tilly2]

I've downloaded it but wish I hadn't bothered.

Despite that, I'll give it a go.

[thestath]

Just finished it... maybe the worst one I've ever done...

 

[Tilly2]

My eyes are boggling, looking at lists!

[canalonly]

I have them all except the acacia species. Sounds like sway or rock. Six letters, missing three vowels, consonants in order ssl

[Tilly2]

By the way, Maskarade is Doc, The Spectator crossword editor.

[canalonly]

Sll not ssl 🙄. Thank you answered now 

[allanmcgee]

He may be a Doc but has no bedside manner for lesser abled intellectuals such as me.  Auracaria who was a man of the cloth and as such a higher intellect than an spectator editor was a legend of the prize crossword. Shall now do the daily star prize which is probably more suited to,my intellect!              Roll on   next week!

[Tilly2]

I do miss Araucaria. There was a lot of bewilderment, puzzling, fun and satisfaction in completing one of his crosswords. 

I have not found anyone who comes close. A great loss but good whilst it lasted. Thank you, Reverend.

[haras2]

I do so agree with everyone about Araucaria. His crosswords were an intellectual challenge, a work of art and fun .... his sense of humour was wonderful.