December 18, 2018 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 2144

Toughie No 2144 by Dada

Hints and tips by Kitty

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

 

Hello everyone.  It’s the last Tuesday until you-know-what, and so in case you’re otherwise engaged on the day, let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

We have another puzzle from the Dada of crossword setters.  I found it considerably more accessible than his first few Sunday Telegraph puzzles, but a sackful of fun.  Continue reading “Toughie 2144”

DT 28925

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 28925

Hints and tips by Mr K

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BD Rating  -  Difficulty **** Enjoyment *****

 

Hello, everyone, and welcome to another Tuesday.  It is a long time since I have had this much fun with a crossword.  Today's offering was not an easy solve and I have no hesitation in giving it 4* for difficulty.  In fact, since today's Toughie blogger said she spent twice as long on it as she did on the Toughie, perhaps it should even be a tad higher.  What's impressive is that the difficulty doesn't come from the usual sources like obscure vocabulary, esoteric general knowledge, or complex, contorted clue constructions.  Instead, it comes from some quite masterful misdirection.  In many clues the obvious approach turned out to be a dead end, leading to head-scratching and pondering often culminating in a wonderful penny drop.  If our setter is reading the blog today, please comment below to take credit and receive thanks for this masterpiece.

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Continue reading "DT 28925"