February 2019 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 2185

Toughie No 2185 by Hudson

Hints and tips by Bufo

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

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

Yet again Hudson appears on a Thursday and yet again I found it to be a pleasant puzzle of average difficulty

Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.… Continue reading

ST 2991

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2991

A full review by crypticsue

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

This puzzle was published on 17 February 2019

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

Either this is another Dada crossword that’s escaped from a Tuesday ‘toughie’ slot, or he’s finally got the recipe for a Sunday Prize Puzzle just right.… Continue reading

Toughie 2184

Toughie No 2184 by Petitjean

Hints and tips by Gazza

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

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

This is another superb puzzle from the late Petitjean (I hope that when they finally run out the Telegraph will publish them all in a book).… Continue reading

Toughie 2183

Toughie No 2183 by Jed

Hints and tips by Kitty

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

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

 

A big warm hello to you all on a day which, here in a sunny Surrey, feels far too spring-like for February.  How lovely to see Jed in this spot.  I didn’t find this any harder than this setter’s Sunday offerings used to be, and every bit as enjoyable, so would invite those of you who miss Virgilius in the ST to pop a roast in the oven, don your Sunday best, and enjoy a day of rest with an extra crossword.

Continue reading “Toughie 2183”

DT 28984

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 28984

Hints and tips by Mr K

+ - + - + - + - + - + - + - +

BD Rating  -  Difficulty ** Enjoyment ****

 

Hello, everyone.  I liked this puzzle.  I was on course for a PB time until my last couple of answers down in the SW corner brought the solve to a head-scratching halt.  They turned out to be excellent clues, so no complaints about that.  My appreciation for this puzzle grew as I wrote the hints, and I've bumped up the enjoyment rating because the high points were outstanding.  Another plus is that this is my first blog in a long time where no clues required links to the Usual Suspects page.  Setter, if you're reading please post a comment below so we can thank you in person, as it were.

Continue reading "DT 28984"

DT 28983

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 28983

Hints and tips by Coco the Clown

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment **

Only one clue gave any real resistance today, my last one in 12d for which I had to delve into the memory banks.… Continue reading