May 2014 – Page 2 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

DT 27501

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27501

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

Scchua is unavailable today, but will be in this slot tomorrow. I thought this was one of Jay’s easier puzzles – how about you?

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Toughie 1194

Toughie No 1194 by Messinae

On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

While this Toughie is not a candidate for the Friday slot, I found it to be a bit harder than those usually encountered on a Tuesday.

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DT 27500

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27500

Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

I enjoyed this puzzle but when solving it I was struck by how dated the references are (the movie actor died in 1940, the Mitford girl died in 1948, the jazz pianist was at his peak in the 1940s and 1950s, the cartoon character didn’t survive into the 1960s and the Rolling Stones’ song was first recorded in 1966). Personally I don’t mind this at all – I have a better knowledge of the old times than I do of current ‘yoof’ culture – but is it the way to attract younger solvers? Your views on this and anything else are welcome as always.
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DT 27499

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27499

Hints and tips by Miffypops

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

Suitably refreshed after our holiday on The Roseland Peninsula and still smiling at being present at The Jonny Wilkinson show on Saturday. I found this offering from Rufus rather tame. However whilst writing the review the sheer class of this setter revealed itself. Sometimes a read and write is as clever as a slog.

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DT 27498 (Hints)

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27498 (Hints)

Big Dave’s Crossword Club

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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, an assortment of clues, including some of the more difficult ones, have been selected and hints provided for them.

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Toughie 1193

Toughie No 1193 by Elgar

Hints and tips by Batman and Robin

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

Greetings from the Bat Cave. There’s been a loud sound of hobnailed boots in the distance all week, and it’s heralded the return of Toughie-land’s resident Tormentor in residence, Elgar. It’s been three months since we were given a Friday mauling, but’s he’s back and in ferocious mood.

A lovely puzzle that represents the Toughie at its best. Plenty of fiendish clues and explanations of which 27 across is the star.

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DT 27497

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27497

Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

All four of the mini-puzzles today seemed to me to be of average difficulty. I’d love to hear your views, especially if you’re one of our many lurkers who have not yet introduced yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been doing cryptic crosswords for eighty years or you only started this week – once you’ve taken the plunge and sent your first comment you’ll enjoy our fairly civilised chat and banter, interspersed with a bit of crossword-related information.
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