July 4, 2013 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 1008

Toughie No 1008 by Elkamere

Was it really 32 years ago?

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

Elkamere had apologised in advance for “one very obscure grid entry. It was forced by having to change an answer with unfortunate connotations but two of its checkers couldn’t be changed, resulting in almost zero alternatives”. From this I assumed that the two checkers must be thematic and so it proved although they were nothing to do with July 4th and Independence Day. I made heavier weather of the puzzle than perhaps I ought to have done but I found it to be a very enjoyable challenge

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DT 27221

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27221

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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

Before solving 14 down I was pretty sure that Petitjean was today’s setter – after it I was certain! I thought this was a curate’s egg of a puzzle (good in parts).

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ST 2697

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2697

A full review by crypticsue

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

Another fine start to Sunday, with everything we have come to expect, including not one but two hidden words.    I put dots by lots of clues I liked, but I think top favourite has to be 17a.

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