NTSPP – 010 Review
A Puzzle by Radler
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This is the third puzzle by Radler in the NTSPP series. His previous two have been tough solves with cleverly constructed themes but have been less approachable as result.
In this puzzle, Radler has had mercy on his solvers and split the puzzle into more complex across clues and some more straightforward down clues. In general, the down clues are simpler though there are some complex constructions towards the end. Overall, the puzzle was far more approachable than the previous two puzzles.
On top of all this, Radler shows his flair by still including a mini theme and a NINA across the top row of the puzzle.
There are a few quibbles indicated in the review below but these are minor and do not detract from an enjoyable crossword.
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Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 010
Mixed Abilities by Radler
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Welcome to the tenth in our series of weekly puzzles.
This is the third by Radler – this puzzle has down clues that are, in general, easier than the across clues, hence Mixed Abilities.
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26217- Hints
Big Dave’s Saturday Crossword Club
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Don’t forget that you can give your assessment of the puzzle. Five stars if you thought it was great, one if you hated it, four, three or two if it was somewhere in between.
As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, I will select a few of the better clues and provide hints for them. A full review of this puzzle will be published on Thursday, 22nd April.
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Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2531
A full analysis by Peter Biddlecombe
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
The usual set of good clues – I’m doing this late, for which I apologise, so let’s get straight on. Imagine a 5-minute pause while I paste in the clue text.
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Toughie No 338 by Osmosis
Please check your indicators are working
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BD Rating – Difficulty ***** – Enjoyment ***
If you like your Toughies tough this one’s definitely for you… or was it just me? After 15 minutes I had only a handful of answers and wasn’t sure where the next was coming from. The problem seemed to be a fairly large number of long-ish clues and quite abstract surface readings which looked hard to break down but, as it turned out, the main difficulties were unusually presented (and occasionally questionable) wordplay indicators.
Although my enjoyment rating of three stars reflects the fact that not many clues were really satisfying to solve, there were some super ones as well, 29a probably being the pick of the bunch – this, and the others I liked, are shown in blue.
We really appreciate your comments, so please give us your thoughts on this puzzle. You can also add your assessment by selecting from one to five stars at the bottom of the post.
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26216
Hints and tips by Gazza
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
This is just about the easiest Giovanni crossword I can remember, so all of our usual correspondents should be able to finish it. As we always say, just because it’s relatively easy does not mean that it can’t be entertaining, and it has a fair number of clues which I enjoyed.
Let us know what you thought of it in a comment and please don’t forget to click on one of the stars at the bottom to show how you rate it.
For new readers, the answer to each clue is contained within the curly brackets beneath the clue, but masked out so that you can’t see it accidentally. If you do want to see the answer, just highlight the space between the brackets.
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26211
A full review by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
This puzzle received a mixed reception. My own view is that, although there is room for improvement, the Saturday puzzles have come a long way in the last twelve months.
My advice to all setters, would be as follows: if the first draft of a new puzzle contains phrases like 9a and 14a, words that are in nobody’s vocabulary, boys or girls names, places other than major cities or countries, scrap the puzzle and start again!
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Toughie No 337 by Messinae
The Straights of Messinae
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
A nicely constructed puzzle that contains one or two tricky little challenges that meant I probably spent a little more time on it than normal. The clues are beautifully constructed and have good surface readings. Thanks to Messinae for an enjoyable solving session.
As usual, the solutions are hidden within the squiggly brackets, and if you want to know the answers, highlight the space between the squiggles with your mouse to reveal all. Don’t forget that you can have your say after the blog as well, and you can rate the puzzle using the star system.
Off we go, before we face the end of the world from the Icelandic volcano. If the internet hasn’t been gummed up with volcanic detritus, I’ll see you soon.
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26215
Hints and tips by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment *
On mystery Thursday we have another mediocre puzzle that will probably please many of you. I counted, and have indicated, fourteen clues where all or part of the wordplay involve anagrams, and two hidden words. Once upon a time the Telegraph style guide used to recommend “a maximum of six anagrams per puzzle and only one hidden”.
I would like to repeat, for those who don’t seem to have bothered to read the disclaimer, that any statement, opinion, or view in relation to any person or organisation expressed in this post is purely personal to Big Dave.
You are welcome to disagree with anything I have written and friendly debate is strongly encouraged.
Please 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 No 336 by Petitjean
Wading Through Treacle
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment **
I found this one tough going, in every sense, and not all that enjoyable. It just seemed a slog with only the occasional entertaining clue. A couple of the clues left me scratching my head as to how they were supposed to be cryptic, so if you can see more in them than I could, please let me know.
As always, we’re delighted to get your comments.
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