January 1, 2014 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Day: 1 January 2014

Toughie 1111

by Gazza  

Toughie No 1111 for 1/1 by Elkamere

One By One

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

The New Year has brought a horrible day in North Devon – very dark, very wet and very windy – so it’s lucky that Elkamere has provided us with a ‘proper’ Toughie. I’m not sure if today’s puzzle number being very relevant to the 1st of the 1st is merely a happy chance or required a bit of manipulation (do we now know why there was a bonus Toughie on the Saturday before Christmas?). In either case Elkamere has taken full advantage – as well as the hidden sequences (brilliantly explained in 17d) there are several other allusions to the puzzle number and date.
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DT 27375

by scchua  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27375

Hints and tips by scchua

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

A 1 across to one and all.  It’s another year again – time seems to fly when you’re having a good time or as you get older, so it seems.  This is the first of many enjoyable puzzles to look forward to during this year.  Quite straightforward.  A 1.5*/3* from me.  Thanks Jay (assuming the new year hasn’t brought changes to the setting schedule).

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