The Guardian has launched its annual summer puzzles supplement, headlined by a US-style maxi crossword that departs from traditional British cryptic formats. The puzzle, numbered Special crossword number 4, features 59 clues across a large grid, including entries such as 'US TV staple that came to the UK in 2026' (3 letters) and 'Italian physicist who gave his name to an electrical unit' (5 letters).
The supplement, available online and in print for subscribers, marks a growing trend among UK newspapers to adopt American crossword conventions, which typically use larger grids and more straightforward definitions rather than cryptic wordplay. The Guardian's move follows similar experiments by The Times and The Telegraph in recent years.
Clues in the puzzle range from pop culture references — including a Barry Manilow classic and a Sting lyric — to historical and scientific terms, such as Columbus's ship names and the Italian physicist Volta. The inclusion of entries like 'D-Day landing beach' and 'underwater detection system' reflects the puzzle's broad thematic scope.
Crossword enthusiasts have taken to social media to debate the puzzle's difficulty, with some praising the challenge of the US-style format while others lament the departure from traditional British cryptic clues. The Guardian has not confirmed whether the US-style maxi crossword will become a permanent fixture in its puzzles lineup.
The supplement arrives as UK puzzle culture continues to evolve, with digital platforms and mobile apps driving demand for larger, more varied puzzles. The Guardian's puzzles editor said the aim was to offer 'something for everyone' during the summer holiday period.