September 2019 – Page 5 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Toughie 2297

Toughie No 2297 by Zandio

Hints and tips by Bufo

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

I’m not sure what I made of this one. I never really warmed to it but at the same time never ran into any significant problems. I’m not sure why because there were some nice touches (though I didn’t care much for the cryptic definitions). Maybe I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind. I’ll be interested to see what other solvers made of it. Continue reading “Toughie 2297”

ST 3019

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3019

A full review by crypticsue

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This puzzle was published on 1st September 2019

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

A tricky Dada offering but full of fun – I particularly liked 23a 9d and 17d.… Continue reading

Toughie 2296

Toughie No 2296 by Stick Insect

Hints and tips by Gazza

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BD Rating – Difficulty **Enjoyment **

There’s nothing too tricky here but I did find, especially when writing the hints, that a significant number of the clues require lots of little bits to be assembled including many abbreviations.… Continue reading

DT 29153

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 29153

Hints and tips by 2Kiwis

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

Kia ora from Aotearoa.

This morning we woke to find a white frost. We thought we had had our last one of these for the season but nature had other ideas. At least a calm fine day has followed.

We found this Jay puzzle at the trickier end of his spectrum and have given it three stars for difficulty and even wondered whether it should have more than that. Lots of fun as usual with some rather scrumptious anagrams.

Continue reading “DT 29153”

Toughie 2295

Toughie No 2295 by Dada

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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

The days of Fluffy Tuesdays seem to be history. While not the toughest of puzzles, this one was certainly challenging. Continue reading “Toughie 2295”

DT 29152

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 29152

Hints and tips by Mr K

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

Hello, everyone.  They say that good things come in threes.  Illustrating that adage to perfection, for the third week in a row we’ve been given a wonderful crossword composed by Telegraph Puzzles Editor Chris Lancaster.  It also features, in 2d, Gary Jones' winning entry in the clue-writing competition from March's Telegraph Puzzles Newsletter (sign up here to get the Newsletter for free).  Congratulations, Gary.  I enjoyed this crossword immensely.  I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone else thought of it.  Continue reading "DT 29152"

DT 29151

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 29151

Hints and tips by Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars

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BD Rating – Difficulty ***Enjoyment ***

Good morning from a dreich Southlochaweside where Saint Sharon and I are on holiday. Other than providing a crossword blog I we have nothing to do and all week to do it. Today’s puzzle is rather anagram heavy but otherwise quite satisfying. Rebel Rebel is playing on the sound system which given today’s alias is rather appropriate. Continue reading “DT 29151”

ST 3020 (Hints)

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3020 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

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A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where we are seeing definite signs of the approaching Autumn – the leaves are beginning to change colour and I had the car heater on for most of the week.… Continue reading