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Wonder whether a mistake resulted in this crossword being posted as a Prize Crossword.

Definitely on the gentle side. Completed over my first cup of tea. FOI 9a. LOI 10a

I prefer a more challenging Prize, and enjoyed last week’s, but hopefully it encourages more people to have a go :-)

And it leaves more time to get on with other things… Happy Saturday everyone!

It does seem to be the first Prize puzzle for Carpathian, who has set the cryptic before but is mostly known the Quiptic. She is also Vigo in the Independent.

I also see today that the Guardian has launched a new Saturday puzzle called the “Quick Cryptic” designed for those just learning cryptic solving.

Here is Puzzle No.1 also set by Carpathian…
https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick-cryptic/1

Excellent idea

I also read that the Quiptic is moving to Sundays. Seems that Alan Connor is mixing things up a little.

Finished this one before I’d had my Saturday morning tea in bed so definitely easier. 5d COD though I rather liked the easy but clever 10a - using conjunctions in the wordplay often catches me out. I prefer a longer solve on Saturday as now I’m going to have to find an alternative entertainment over breakfast!

Carpathian is one of my favourite setters, but I didn't think this was very good. I found it rather repetitive. I don't think "green" is a theme, just a mistake. Also "pub" and "church" appear more than once.
I've never come across 3d as a word by itself.
Isn't there a tense mismatch in 15a?

I think “making” is a link word in 15a, so not part of the definition.
I also noticed pub and church and a lot of two-part constructions, e.g.
A is B + C
A is B in C
put B next to C to get A etc.

I enjoyed the new Quick Cryptic which was very accurately clued I thought.

Hi Jono,

@13, under which heading is this? I've looked under both Quick and Quiptic but can't see it or a 'Quick Quiptic' heading.

(I need to use my Guardian app as they link you have is proving a bit problematic, closing too early or vanishing if I switch tabs to use Chambers etc)

Hi Brendan , it’s “Quick Cryptic” under its own heading. Try this, the link is at the top of the page.

https://www.theguardian.com/crossword

Not on the App, but don’t get me started.That’s become a personal crusade! 😂