Comments on: DT 26034

By: BBD

BBD — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:27:29 +0000

I realise I am a month behind, here in sunny South Africa, but some might remember the crossword puzzle which featured an oystercatcher. The oystercatchers on our seashore are indeed the same as he one featured in Gazza’s pic – we even have a restaurant named after them. Next time you visit Port Elizabeth treat yourself to a delicious seafood meal at the Oystercatcher!

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:12:48 +0000

What is the use of a needle with no point (ie sharp end)?

By: Big Dave

Big Dave — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:13:19 +0000

Welcome to the blog Kev

I read somewhere that one of the top solvers used the same technique, but it doesn’t work with all setters. It is usually the case that 1 across is carefully considered, but in a recent puzzle it was the second or third word in a phrase.

I always start at the first clue because CluedUp makes life difficult if you don’t.

By: Kev

Kev — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:46:34 +0000

In response to Little Dave I also start with the last down clue and work up to the top in the belief – almost certainly misguided – that the compiler starts at the top and is probably looking for easy words in the final down clues to get the thing finished! It’s worked for me for the past ten years or so – why change it? Good site, Big Dave, I feel there’s now a chance I might retain my sanity . . .

By: gazza

gazza — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:32:38 +0000

Mr B
The whole of the clue is the definition, They’re useless (if they are) pointless, i.e. things which are useless if they have no point.

By: Big Dave

Big Dave — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:31:17 +0000

Welcome back!

BTW if you change your name or email address then your comment, as with this one, has to be moderated first time!

By: gazza

gazza — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:27:39 +0000

Little Dave
I scan through the clues looking for an easy “way in” (2d in this one, if I remember correctly) then try to build out from that point, using the checking letters from my first answer.

By: Marian and Joanne

Marian and Joanne — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:26:41 +0000

Hi Dave,

Back from our summer break, having managed to access your site from some very obscure places! Thought this was difficult because of all the bird references, but are ready to settle in for some serious solving for the autumn…

In answer to other comments, we prefer multi-word answers and look for these first to get us started.

By: Mr B

Mr B — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:23:52 +0000

I disagree – I think 6d is dodgy! After all, what part of the clue actually means needles? In fact, quite the opposite, no?

By: Little Dave

Little Dave — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:06:30 +0000

I liked this crossword and zipped through quite easily save for 15d and 8d. As a matter of interest can we share a few views as to how the crossword should be started – do most people start with 1A for example? I always start with the last “down” clue and work up which probably says a lot for my brain activity! I also reckon experienced solvers can evaluate a puzzle’s trickeness by a quick scan of the clues – what do you other fine people think? If I see lots of fragmented answers I can generally guarantee quite an easy challenge.

By: gazza

gazza — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:30 +0000

I’ve checked the wikipedia article on oystercatchers and there are different species, but this is what it says about their colour:
The different species of oystercatcher show little variation in shape or appearance. The plumage of all species is either all-black, or black (or dark brown) on top and white underneath. The Variable Oystercatcher is slightly exceptional in being either all-black or pied.

By: gazza

gazza — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:43:49 +0000

Toby
You may be right, but if you right-click on the picture then select ‘properties’ you’ll see that ‘oystercatcher’ appears in its title.

By: Big Dave

Big Dave — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:42:47 +0000

Welcome to the blog Toby, from another pedant! Sorry but I know nothing about birds (of the feathered kind).

By: Toby

Toby — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:34:44 +0000

Sorry to be pedantic but doesn’t look much like oystercatchers I know – they are normally black and white! Perhaps a more knowledgeable twitcher can confirm!!

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:16:20 +0000

Can’t believe i missed all of this information, thanks again Gazza, and thanks for compiling the info Dave.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:04:21 +0000

Hi and thanks, had noticed it but not in any depth, which says a lot. Will have a good look and then study the info.

By: NathanJ

NathanJ — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:58:53 +0000

Hi newtocryptic

I don’t mind puzzles with one or two multi-word answers but I dislike puzzles that have a lot of these. The reason I like Ray Terrell is he rarely relies on multi-word answers and produces a good and challenging puzzle with one-word answers (most of the time). I guess it is a personal preference on my part. I am sure there are many solvers out there who may prefer multi-word answers.

Thanks for your reply to my post. I like to read the opinions other solvers have as to the style of the various setters.

By: gazza

gazza — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Andy If you haven't found it already, there's a great deal of information about clue types which you can access via the FAQ button (at the top of the page) or directly here.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:38:21 +0000

Hi, thanks for the welcome yesterday..I’m still new to cryptics and finishing them is still a rarity. Still trying to understand all the different meanings of clues but your site does help.

By: newtocryptic

newtocryptic — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:52:12 +0000

Interesting that you hate multi word answers as I’m totally the opposite and why I don’t like this setter’s puzzles. Is it that multi-word are easier do you think? Several clues in this puzzle were too obscure for my taste even though I got there in the end.