+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
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.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment *****
I had heard a rumour that Elgar was returning to the back page after a long absence and if this isn’t it I’ll eat my 18 across. Although this is not as beastly as some of his Toughies, most of his usual tricks are to be found here. I know that some are going to find this difficult, but all of the clues can be solved with perseverance.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Busman returns to the Toughie fold after a nine-month absence with an excellent puzzle. I have complained in the past about some of his puzzles being too easy, but this one hits the right level for a Tuesday puzzle.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Many thanks for all the marvellous comments yesterday – I was able to read several of them during the festivities.
As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the more difficult clues and provide hints for them.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Three years ago today I set up this blog, and the first post was published the following day – some hints for Toughie 86. Since then we have seen over 5,000,000 page views, with a record daily total of 10,504 a week ago today. There have been 2,375 posts published and a further 175 static pages. To say that this has far exceeded my wildest dreams is an understatement. I could not have done it without the the help of the fabulous team of bloggers, some of whom have been with me since early 2009.
I will be at the he Bridge House in Westbourne Terrace Road, London W2 all day, where I expect to be joined by Elgar, Jetdoc, Crypticsue, Prolixic and Gnomethang, so if you live nearby why not come along and join us. I am hoping that some hints might be added throughout the day, but you can always ask for help by leaving a comment.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Love him or hate him, Ray T makes a speedy return to the back page. I have based the difficulty on my personal solving time, but feel free to disagree.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Although this Toughie was easier than it’s back-page partner, I found it to be considerably more enjoyable.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the more difficult clues and provide hints for them.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
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.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
This puzzle exhibits the unmistakeable characteristics of one of my favourite setters. A glance at the Quick crossword confirms that Ray T is our Thursday Tormentor.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
I have complained in the past that some of Giovanni’s Toughies would be better suited to the back page. Not this one! This was, in my opinion, his best for a long time. A number of lesser-known words and one of those anagrams that is indicated by part of the answer – all conspire to make this a lot harder than the usual Tuesday fare.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the more difficult clues and provide hints for them.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
It’s time once again for a meeting in London so come along and join us at The Bridge House, 13 Westbourne Terrace Road, London, W2 6NG on the 28th January – any time between 12noon and 7.00pm.
All are welcome and, as usual, we have picked a pub that enables you to enjoy a host of real ales. Click on either of the pictures for further details of the venue.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
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.
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment **
This puzzle could have some solvers wishing for Ray T’s speedy return. It has the appearance of being a Petitjean Toughie that he put in the wrong envelope. On the brighter side, the blog’s page views could well be very high today!
 | Lea on DT 26780 (Hints) |
 | annB on DT 26780 (Hints) |
 | Pookie on DT 26778 |
 | Big Dave on DT 26780 (Hints) |
| Lea on DT 26780 (Hints) |
 | moose on DT 26780 (Hints) |
 | Heno on Toughie 714 |
 | Prolixic on DT 26780 (Hints) |
 | SpikeyMikey on DT 26780 (Hints) |
 | Tmdess on DT 26779 |
 | andy on DT 26779 |
| andy on DT 26779 |
![[Valid RSS]](http://bigdave44.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/vald-rss.jpg "Validate my RSS feed")
Click here & select Favorites to Bookmark in your browser
gazza
Libellule
tilsit
gnomethang
bufo
crypticsue
Digby
Falcon
Admin
pommers
Jon88
