Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

As we were told to expect the puzzle by Enigmatist has just been posted on the Guardian site.

Here's an interactive grid...

https://crossword.info/jono/Genius_May_2026_Bonus_Enigmatist

Thanks for the grid Jono.

After first read through, I haven't been able to make much sense of the preamble and have solved the grand total of 1 clue.

Is this puzzle self-contained or should I be looking back at certain prime numbered puzzles for further clues, if you get my drift?

Hi Bren,
I’m pretty sure this is self contained, I’ve seen nothing to indicate otherwise.

I’m not much more advanced than you in terms of solving but I’ve started to realise that not all solutions immediately fit the grid which might explain the absence of enumerations…

Thanks Jono and, as is typical, as soon as I posted I immediately solved a few more.

Onwards and upwards 😀

I agree, Jono - on both points. I’m now nearly done and there is “consistent variation” in how the gimmick works. Bren, 7d was my way in, it may work for you.

Thanks Jack, my first few in were 1a, 10a and 8d, but their answers all seem to fit the squares provided.

I have an answer for 7d which parses perfectly but is, alas, 4 letters not the three available 🤔

But would it fit, as a real word , if you adjusted it accordingly?

I should not have spoken so soon about finishing! I have everything except 18a and can’t find anything to suit the clue.

jack - a woman’s name

Thanks again Jack, I did what I think you're getting at to 2d and was going to do the same with 7d, assuming the adjustment would be consistent but then realised it didn't work with the 9a.

Anyway, I've just been sent the Listener, so I'll have a look at that, get some dinner and come back to it later.

Thanks, CD. Given other proper names in the grid I should have twigged that.