October 22, 2009 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

DT 26062

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26062

A full analysis by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ***

I thought this was quite an easy puzzle, but there were a few clues that generated queries last weekend. My only real complaints were the use of “from” to indicate an anagram and the American term for a water pistol, which is rarely used in the UK, although I would be interested to read your opinion on these.

Tilsit hopes to be back in this slot next week.

Leave a comment telling us what you thought. You can also add your assessment by selecting from one to five stars at the bottom of the post.

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Toughie 238

Toughie No 238 by Warbler

Hints and Tips by Tilsit

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

Tilsit is currently being given the run-around at the hospital – being wheeled from department to department.  He is hoping to be let out on parole for good behaviour this evening, and to be able to write the review then.

Sorry for the lateness with the posting but as Big Dave said, I have been ferried around the hospital in preparation for going home tomorrow. However, courtesy of a rather nice nurse, I was able to get all of today’s newspaper puzzles printed off and I was able to solve them while waiting for treatment. With the exception of today’s Independent puzzle by our old chum Elgar, this Toughie was the most enjoyable of them all.

It was quite a tough solve, though and some of the clues needed a bit of thinking outside the box. However the anagrams were nice and appropriate, although I don’t like “made up names” as in 26 across. There were also some good uses of present-day words and phrases, rather than some puzzles where you feel like you’re being transported back to the 1950’s. There were a couple of dodgy surface readings, though. Rather too many anagrams for my liking too.

Here we go. Have your say (some of you already have!) and / or rate the puzzle using the star system.

Continue reading “Toughie 238”

DT 26066

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26066

Hints and tips by Libellule

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** and a half Enjoyment ***

I didn’t find this a particularly complicated puzzle, but I enjoyed doing it. A decent grid, a nice mix of clues, and a couple to make you smile. What more do you need whilst you are eating your breakfast, or enjoying the first cup of coffee for the day.

Any comments are appreciated.

Continue reading “DT 26066”