For the weekend prize crosswords I will select a few of the better clues and provide hints for them. The mini-poll is currently showing 70% in favour of hints only, so that’s the way it will stay for the time being. A full analysis of this puzzle will be available at 12.00 next Thursday, February 19th.
As with last Saturday’s puzzle, there is nothing here to trouble the moderately experienced solver. For the weekend prize crosswords I will select a few of the better clues and provide hints for them. A full analysis of this puzzle, prepared by Peter Biddlecombe, will be available at 12.00 next Thursday, February 19th. Peter was Times crossword champion in 2000 and 2007 and is a pioneer in crossword blogging (see Times for the Times).
I found myself appreciating this puzzle even more as I prepared the hints – there are references to three classic books, and a nursery rhyme. While not trivially easy, this is a well constructed puzzle which is well worth the effort taken to solve. Don’t forget the highlighted items give supplementary information and, usually, the answer.
This is the first contribution from Libellule, so I hope you all enjoy it – I certainly did. Once again, the highlighted items link to supplementary information, often the answer to the clue. Don’t forget to let both of us know, via the comments below, what you think. BD
There are a few lesser known words in this puzzle, but overall it’s not too bad. Don’t forget that clicking on the links will reveal items of interest, and often the answer!
Doing this blog every day is a much bigger task than I imagined when I took it on. Fortunately, I have had offers of help from fellow solvers, this being the first. A blog is a very personal thing, and it was with considerable trepidation that I agreed to accept outside help, but that was before Gazza’s contribution arrived. I knew as soon as I read the first hint that I had not made a mistake, and I hope that you all agree with me. Please let both of us know, via the comments below, what you think. BD
This one is fairly straightforward (but see 16 across) and not too difficult, similar to those of the last few days.
You may have noticed yesterday that I made a complete hash of the wordplay for 23 down, although I did say that I was open to better interpretations. Well, someone did post a far better interpretation, and it was two hours before I tumbled that we had been privileged to receive a fleeting visit from Firefly, yesterday’s setter.
If you have never tackled a Toughie before, then this one would be a good one with which to start, as there are no obscure words and the clues are straightforward – and you’ve got the hints below if you get stuck!
Some of you have been dreading Wednesday’s puzzles in recent weeks – well this one will make a pleasant change. A little harder than the last two days, but most of you should be able to cope with this one.