Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 119
A Puzzle by Commoner
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A very enjoyable puzzle from NTSPP débutant Commoner.
A review by Prolixic will follow below later this afternoon
Author Archives: Prolixic
NTSPP – 118
May 12, 2012 – 12:00 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 118 Gold Run by Alchemi + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + A puzzle with a gentle theme from Alchemi A review by Prolixic follows below
NTSPP – 115 (Review)
April 21, 2012 – 2:54 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 115
“Lonely, Single & Broke” by Nina
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Welcome to one humdinger of a crossword set by “Nina”, none other than John Henderson in drag! He had donned industrial strength hob-nailed boots for this crossword. Although there are a number of more straightforward clues, there are some real stinkers. At the time of preparing the review, the wordplay for 3d still eludes the combined efforts of Crypticsue, Gazza and me to crack it.
When solving this crossword, you should ignore the preamble to begin with and then solve the crossword as normal. Although the grid is unusual in design, it is still a regular cryptic crossword. Instructions will be given at the end on how to reveal the Nina that is hidden in the grid.
NTSPP – 114 (Review)
April 14, 2012 – 3:00 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 114
A Puzzle by eXternal
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External returns with a highly enjoyable crossword today. There is lots of wit, inventive cluing and misdirection to keep you amused and guessing. More of the same, please.
I have highlighted my favourite clues in blue. Drop by and let us have your comments.
Toughie 758
April 10, 2012 – 6:00 pm
Toughie No 758 by Osmosis
Well there’s a surprise!!
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
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Due to a Daily Telegraph Bank Holiday ‘problem’ meaning that the printed version in the paper was the Osomosis due next week, we have the treat of two Toughies in one day . This one was slightly tougher than the Warbler but just as entertaining.
NTSPP – 113 (Review)
April 7, 2012 – 5:05 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 113
Eye Scream by Radler
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Congratulations on making it this far. If your brain has not finally exploded trying to solve this crossword, the following hints may assist you in completing it without losing your sanity.
NTSPP – 112 (Review)
March 31, 2012 – 7:12 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 112
A Puzzle by Hieroglyph
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Sorry about the delay in posting the review. I have spent most of the day digging in the garden and am now as stiff as a board! When I have the energy, I will add some pictures but here are the hints and solutions.
NTSPP – 111 (Review)
March 24, 2012 – 3:00 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 111
A Puzzle by Gazza
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Welcome back to Gazza who seems to have taken a leaf from the Chancellor’s book with the first two clues in this crossword to bash the elderly! Is it me, or is he wearing sturdier footwear when setting crosswords these days? Not quite hob-nailed boots but certainly no pink fluffy slippers today.
I greatly enjoyed solving this crossword. Many thanks to our setter for a fine Saturday afternoon challenge. Drop by and let us have your thoughts.
NTSPP – 110 (Review)
March 17, 2012 – 3:00 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 110
A Puzzle by Isla
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Although it is over a year since Isla produced his debut puzzle, it was well worth the wait to solve this gem. Some very nice surface readings and a good variety of wordplay devices made this a satisfying crossword to solve.
NTSPP – 109 (Review)
March 10, 2012 – 3:00 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 109
A Puzzle by Alchemi
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Debt Crisis
Alchemi returns with a crossword that has, as a theme, the current Greek debt crisis. I was enjoyable to solve though again a little high on the anagram count (Gazza will need to take his shoes and socks off)! My favourite clue was the topical and well constructed themed clue in 15a.
NTSPP – 108 (Review)
March 3, 2012 – 5:11 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 108
A Puzzle by Bufo
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Welcome back to Bufo after a long absence with a silky smooth, straightforward and satisfying crossword. It was not especially difficult but was marked out for me by the clean cluing and polished surface readings.
Surprise party
February 18, 2012 – 1:57 pm
Rufus (Roger Squires) at his surprise party to mark his 80th birthday. He does not know about the NTSPP yet!
NTSPP – 105 (Review)
February 11, 2012 – 4:00 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 105
A Puzzle by eXternal
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After three crosswords published on the DIY COW site, eXternal makes a welcome debut in the NTSPP series. This was an excellent crossword and I hope that it will be the first of many from him. I have highlighted my favourite clues in blue.
NTSPP – 104 (Review)
February 4, 2012 – 3:00 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 104 (Review)
A Puzzle by Radler
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Radler returns with a themed winter crossword that is very appropriate given the current weather sweeping across the country. The key to the crossword is solving 13d which introduces the theme word needed to unlock many of the remaining clues. Even with the theme word cracked, this is a tricky crossword with some complicated wordplay, strokes of genius and Radler’s usual libertarian cluing that reflects his love of some Guardian setters!!
NTSPP – 103 (Review)
January 28, 2012 – 3:00 pm
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 103
A Puzzle by Alchemi
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Bigging It Up
Welcome back to Alchemi with a fun filled feast of anagrams (15) and other clues. The review is a little brief as I am heading off for the Cruciverbalists’ Convention (aka drinking) at the Bridge House.
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