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.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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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.

The wheels on the bus go round and round

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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.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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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.

Big Dave's Crossword Club

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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.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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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.

The Devil is in the details

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BD Rating - Difficulty ** - Enjoyment ****

Although this Toughie was easier than it's back-page partner, I found it to be considerably more enjoyable.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the more difficult clues and provide hints for them.

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.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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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.

It's a Dog's Life

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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.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the more difficult clues and provide hints for them.

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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 28^th 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.

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.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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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!

Anything could happen in the next half hour...

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BD Rating - Difficulty ** - Enjoyment ****

Tuesday does seem to be the slot for the easier Toughies, but I quite enjoyed this one.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the more difficult clues and provide hints for them.

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.

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating - Difficulty *** - Enjoyment ****

Ray T makes his first appearance of 2012. Although tricky in places, this is solvable with perseverance and, as you can guess, I enjoyed it.

Add a little bit of flavour!

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BD Rating - Difficulty ** - Enjoyment ****

A very pleasurable, if comparatively easy, start to the Toughie week.