November 11, 2011 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 666

Toughie No 666 by Osmosis

Setter’s Devilry

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

Greetings from the Calder Valley. I was all set to use ‘The Number of the Beast‘ as today’s title or even ‘The Devil’s in the Detail (or The 7 Across is in the Detail, to be exact)‘, given that Osmosis usually produces puzzles of such ferocity that my brain usually hurts long and hard after finishing. However this was a much more benevolent puzzle and I have to say I was left a bit flat after finishing it.

There are the usual quality clues from Osmosis, but I don’t understand why the puzzle’s theme word is shown in some clues as ‘7 across’ but not others. There are some NINA’s lurking round the puzzle and they will be explained at the end of the blog so you can highlight them and reveal them if you get stuck. It was a pleasant solve while I was being poked and prodded this morning, but I expected a bit more.

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ST 2613

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2613

A full review by Crypticsue

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

The usual Sunday mix of excellent clues, trademark hidden words, great d’oh moments and even the possibility of a theme  – well there were two London railway stations in the answers.   Thanks to Virgilius once again for a splendid start to Sunday morning.

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DT 26707

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26707

Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

As usual from Giovanni we have ultra-smooth clues and very precise wordplay. This one should be within everyone’s compass. Let us know how you got on with it.
Crypticsue’s unable to give her usual Toughie tip in a comment this morning because she’s gone to the pub (yes, I know it’s a bit early, but they’re like that in Kent!) so she’s asked me to pass on the information that people shouldn’t be put off by the fact that it’s Friday and Osmosis as it is very do-able and great fun too.

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DT 26702

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26702

A full review by gnomethang

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BD Rating –Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

Morning All! This week we have a classic example of a Cephas puzzle with plenty of charades and a couple of gentle cryptic definitions. I found  the whole puzzle to be lots of fun and a good test for a Saturday

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