Dutch – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 3032

Toughie No 3032 by Elgar

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

Joy, we have a 7-word Nina today. 5* time but steady progress. Enjoy. Continue reading “Toughie 3032”

Toughie 3028

Toughie No 3028 by Osmosis

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

A lovely puzzle from Osmosis with the usual cleverly-disguised definitions. And another near pangram, this time the Z is missing.

Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.… Continue reading

Toughie 3020

Toughie No 3020 by Sparks

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

Oh no! My heart sank as I saw the Nina. Our condolences Sparks. How do you give an enjoyment rating for such a sad message? Many of the across answers apply to 12a Continue reading “Toughie 3020”

Toughie 3012

Toughie No 3012 by Osmosis

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

I seemed to be on an Osmosis wavelength today, which probably means the puzzle was easier. I finished in 3* time, but with one left to parse (didn’t take long, but hence inching into 4*).… Continue reading

Toughie 3008

Toughie No 3008 by Elgar

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

Elgar back to full-on toughie style. I was left with about 5 unsolved well after 5* time, when I eventually saw 23a and 5d, giving me the rest.… Continue reading

Toughie 3004

Toughie No 3004 by proXimal

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

Sometimes it takes me a while to get on to proXimal’s wavelength. Luckily, he has included a number of easier clues to get you started, much appreciated!

Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.… Continue reading

Toughie 3000

Toughie No 3000 by ?

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

As you’ll find wonderfully hidden, this is the three thousandth toughie crossword! A landmark celebrated by a nice easy puzzle (I was worried it might be an ultra-toughie) with lovely surfaces throughout.… Continue reading

Toughie 2992

Toughie No 2992 by Elgar

Hints and tips by Dutch

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

Ah – I just realised when publishing this that it’s Friday 13th – oh, the perks of blogging!  We have another display of inventive and precise clueing by Elgar.… Continue reading