July 8, 2011 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 594

Toughie No 594 by Elgar

A Lie Down in a Darkened Room Needed

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BD Rating – Difficulty *****Enjoyment ****

Greetings from the Calder Valley. Today we have a quick reappearance by Elgar with a cracking puzzle that as usual raises smiles and makes you think not just outside the box, but outside the fork-lift truck used to lift it. The perimeter answers are all linked and forming phrases and there’s an arty feel to the puzzle.

I’ve tried to explain 5 down but it has me totally confused. There are one or two other tiny quibbles as well, but overall a superlative solve with much to admire.

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ST 2595

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2595

A full review by Gnomethang

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ****

Afternoon All!. We have another eccellent puzzle from Virgilius this week. I couldn’t see any theme in particular here but let me know if you have spotted anything. No real problems here apart from almost everyone writing TRACTOR in at 6d.

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DT 26599

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26599

Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

We have a not-too-difficult offering from Giovanni today (although the instrument in 12a was new to me). Let us know how you got on with it.
If you’re a regular reader of the blog who has never left a comment, now would be a good time to introduce yourself – we’re a friendly lot and promise not to bite!

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DT 26594

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26594

A full review by Crypticsue

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

A lovely Saturday puzzle from 23a this week, proving once again that a cryptic can be fairly straightforward to solve without detracting in any way from the level of enjoyment it gives the solver.   Thanks Cephas for the Saturday morning entertainment – I bet 23a was your clue of the day too.  My favourites are highlighted in blue.

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