Toughie No 3653 by Shabbo
Hints and tips by Whybird
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BD Rating – Difficulty */** – Enjoyment *****
We have another excellent puzzle from Shabbo today. Absolutely perfect for a Tuesday, plenty to get stuck into, but nothing outrageously difficult or obscure. I thought it was going to be a struggle when I looked at 1a and that pesky question mark, and indeed it took quite a while before I managed to get a proper foothold in the North, the South going in much more easily. So definitely a Crossword of Two Halves for me, but still done in just a smidge over one-star time. The main difficulty factor came from Shabbo’s very clever surfaces and deceptions which I really enjoyed unpicking. Thanks, Shabbo, please keep spoiling us!
I have a host of favourites today -1a, 3d, 5d, 9a, 14d, 17d and 26a are all excellent. I’m going to need a bigger podium!
Please let us know how you fared and what you thought of the puzzle.
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Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31189
Hints and tips by Huntsman
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BD Rating – Difficulty * Enjoyment ***/****
I thought today’s puzzle, which I assume is an Anthony Plumb production, very enjoyable & a fair bit easier than yesterday’s. As ever nicely clued throughout & with a lovely clue to finish. For any seeking another challenge the puzzle over in t’other place is pretty ‘floughie’ & also very entertaining. For some reason the puzzles app has omitted to say who the setter is but my money is on Chalicea.
As usual there is a selection of music to enjoy or ignore.
In the hints below the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED & the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the Click Here buttons. Please leave a comment below telling us what you thought & how you got on with the puzzle.
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