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Far too difficult for me.

I have managed 19d with multiple checks.

I have ZERO idea what anything else is.

Has anyone else attempted it?

Hi druh6sm,

I know, from your postings elsewhere, that you're relatively new to cryptics so don't be downhearted by today's. Vlad's are at the more difficult end of the Guardian's crosswords. Instead, have a wander over to 225 where the solutions are explained in detail.

https://www.fifteensquared.net/2023/08/16/guardian-29150-vlad/

I found this very tricky in places. If you’re looking for a way in, 4d is fairly straightforward wordplay, and 11d is an anagram.

Agreed with simond9x, Vlad is extremely challenging. He and the dreaded Enigmatist are significantly more difficult than other Guardian setters.

Among free daily online cryptics, I think the FT runs somewhat easier than the Guardian, and is also blogged on 225. Picaroon, for instance, is the slightly gentler Buccaneer on the FT. On Vlad/Enigmatist/... days you might opt for FT instead.

The Indy has free puzzles with a very diverse lineup of setters, but is often quite difficult. They are covered on 225. For instance, I really enjoy Serpent at the Indy because of his frequent Ninas, but he's on the challenging side. Could be fun to read 225 coverage of his puzzles, though.