August 6, 2019 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 2275

Toughie No 2275 by Chalicea

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

Having thought I would be solving a Dada puzzle I find that it is actually one from Chalicea. The Telegraph website showed the wrong setter, apparently Dada will be next Tuesday. For me, this is a win-win situation! Continue reading “Toughie 2275”

DT 29122

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 29122

Hints and tips by Mr K

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BD Rating  -  Difficulty ** Enjoyment ****

Hello, everyone, and welcome to another Tuesday.  One of the great things about blogging on Tuesday is that with at least four setters compiling puzzles for that slot you're never quite sure what midnight will bring.  Today's puzzle certainly hit the heights for me.  I noted very smooth surfaces, no obscure vocabulary or general knowledge requirements, some nice misdirection, and several smiles during the solve in this exquisitely crafted puzzle.  Setter, if you're reading, please comment below to take a bow.

There was some discussion in last week's blogs about solving times and difficulty ratings.  It got me thinking about doing another survey on readers' experiences with a particular puzzle – solving time, aids used, difficulty rating, etc.. Is there interest out there in participating in a survey like that?  What else should be asked? (For example, I'm curious about what readers consider to be their 1* solving time). 

Continue reading "DT 29122"