February 2014 – Page 3 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 1139

Toughie No 1139 by Micawber

What? No Wardrobe?

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

One of the enjoyable aspects of a Micawber Toughie for me is the anticipation after finding out the name of the setter the previous evening. Unfortunately the Telegraph website was still stuck in a time warp last night, so it was an unexpected pleasure to get today’s puzzle. It’s not too difficult but it’s full of Micawber’s usual wit and clever clueing. Let us know what you thought.
Continue reading “Toughie 1139”

DT 27417

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27417

Hints and tips by scchua

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ***

The usual enjoyable fare from Jay with no especially hard bits – a 1.5*/3* for difficulty/enjoyment. Thanks Jay.

Continue reading “DT 27417”

Toughie 1138

Toughie No 1138 by Warbler

Oh, what a tangled web!

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating – Difficulty *Enjoyment ****

Warbler consistently produces easy but enjoyable puzzles and this one, according to my records the 67th, is no exception.

Continue reading “Toughie 1138”

DT 27416

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27416

Hints and tips by Gazza

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating – Difficulty *Enjoyment **

I can’t believe that this puzzle by Mr Ron will cause very much difficulty amongst the solving fraternity and, for me, it didn’t have a lot of sparkle. Do let us know how you got on.
Continue reading “DT 27416”

DT 27415

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27415

Hints and tips by Miffypops

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating – Difficulty *Enjoyment ***

It is gentle Rufus today. A well put together puzzle from the master of the double definition. I have put a little surprise for you all at 26 across. Have fun.

Continue reading “DT 27415”

MPP – 021 (review)

Monthly Prize Puzzle – February 2014

A crossword by Alchemi

Reviewed by crypticsue

– + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

Congratulations to Jez Wagg who followed the instructions in rows 2, 8 and 14 of the grid and  correctly spotted that not only were there 11 ‘aitches’ in the solutions to this crossword but that there were two  black H shapes in the grid, making a total of 13.  [Some entrants included the word “aitch” as a 14th occurrence and these were also included in the draw.  BD]  He wins a copy of The Telegraph Centenary Crossword Collection,  The book was kindly donated by Phil McNeill, the Telegraph Puzzles Editor, and has been  signed by Phil and six of the Telegraph setters who are featured in the book  (Elgar, Roger Squires/Rufus, Micawber, Peter Chamberlain/Cephas, Notabilis and Don Manley/Giovanni).

Continue reading “MPP – 021 (review)”

DT 27414 (Hints)

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27414 (Hints)

Big Dave’s Crossword Club

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

Today is the last day you can enter our February Prize Puzzle.  You are strongly advised to read the instructions thoroughly before entering.

As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, an assortment of clues, including some of the more difficult ones, have been selected and hints provided for them.

Continue reading “DT 27414 (Hints)”