Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2481 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****

Sundays may never be the same again! Another very enjoyable puzzle which, although not difficult, leaves you feeling satisfied – unless of course you liked the strange clues and odd construction that used to be the norm!
It seems that the change in style is linked to a whole new approach to the Sunday puzzles in general – although printing one prize puzzle on the back of another is something that the Puzzles Editor should perhaps rethink! I have asked for guidance on the admissibility of copies of prize puzzles, and will let you all know when I get it. Continue reading “ST Cryptic No 2481 – Review”
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25912 – Review
A full analysis by Peter Biddlecombe
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***

The best thing about this puzzle for me was the set of answers – these make a pangram (all letters of the alphabet appear at least once). Some tricky letters appear several times – there are 3 Zs and 4 Vs for example. The bad things for me were a couple of the selections for answers, and some clues that were either not very cryptic or could lead to more than one answer. Some will be delighted to see no obscure place names in this puzzle.
Continue reading “DT Cryptic No 25912 – Review”
Toughie No 138 by Firefly
Hints and tips by Tilsit
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ***

Much irritation to start the day, on-line solving access to the Toughie is not available at midnight . As I have no printer access, I have to draw up my own grid and solve from the clues on screen.
There was much to be admired in today’s puzzle, but there were one or two quite major queries for me. I really didn’t like 1 across and I am really unsure of the definition of 12 across. I have also given up on 21 across after it nearly reacted with my sleeping medication to give me hallucinations.
I’d like to nominate 26 across as this puzzle’s entry into Clue of the Week. Certainly made me smile.
Thanks to Firefly for an enjoyable and thought-provoking challenge.
Continue reading “Toughie No 138”
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25916
Today’s hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***

I thought that this was an enjoyable puzzle which had some entertaining and amusing clues without being overly difficult or containing any really obscure words – just what we need for a daily crossword.
Continue reading “DT Cryptic No 25916”