Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 118
Gold Run by Alchemi
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A puzzle with a gentle theme from Alchemi
A review by Prolixic follows below Continue reading “NTSPP – 118”
Author: Prolixic
NTSPP – 115 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 115
“Lonely, Single & Broke” by Nina
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Welcome to one humdinger of a crossword set by “Nina”, none other than John Henderson in drag! He had donned industrial strength hob-nailed boots for this crossword. Although there are a number of more straightforward clues, there are some real stinkers. At the time of preparing the review, the wordplay for 3d still eludes the combined efforts of Crypticsue, Gazza and me to crack it. Update: Elgar has given us the solution. See below.
When solving this crossword, you should ignore the preamble to begin with and then solve the crossword as normal. Although the grid is unusual in design, it is still a regular cryptic crossword. Instructions will be given at the end on how to reveal the Nina that is hidden in the grid.
NTSPP – 114 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 114
A Puzzle by eXternal
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External returns with a highly enjoyable crossword today. There is lots of wit, inventive cluing and misdirection to keep you amused and guessing. More of the same, please.
I have highlighted my favourite clues in blue. Drop by and let us have your comments.
Toughie 758(8)
Toughie No 758(8) by Osmosis
Well there’s a surprise!!
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Due to a Daily Telegraph Bank Holiday ‘problem’ meaning that the printed version in the paper was the Osomosis due next week, we have the treat of two Toughies in one day. This one was slightly tougher than the Warbler but just as entertaining.
[This puzzle was published in the newspaper as Toughie 758 on the day that Toughie 751 should have appeared. It is available online as GK 7588. BD]
NTSPP – 113 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 113
Eye Scream by Radler
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Congratulations on making it this far. If your brain has not finally exploded trying to solve this crossword, the following hints may assist you in completing it without losing your sanity.
NTSPP – 112 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 112
A Puzzle by Hieroglyph
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Sorry about the delay in posting the review. I have spent most of the day digging in the garden and am now as stiff as a board! When I have the energy, I will add some pictures but here are the hints and solutions.
NTSPP – 111 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 111
A Puzzle by Gazza
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Welcome back to Gazza who seems to have taken a leaf from the Chancellor’s book with the first two clues in this crossword to bash the elderly! Is it me, or is he wearing sturdier footwear when setting crosswords these days? Not quite hob-nailed boots but certainly no pink fluffy slippers today.
I greatly enjoyed solving this crossword. Many thanks to our setter for a fine Saturday afternoon challenge. Drop by and let us have your thoughts.
NTSPP – 110 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 110
A Puzzle by Isla
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Although it is over a year since Isla produced his debut puzzle, it was well worth the wait to solve this gem. Some very nice surface readings and a good variety of wordplay devices made this a satisfying crossword to solve.
NTSPP – 109 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 109
A Puzzle by Alchemi
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Debt Crisis
Alchemi returns with a crossword that has, as a theme, the current Greek debt crisis. I was enjoyable to solve though again a little high on the anagram count (Gazza will need to take his shoes and socks off)! My favourite clue was the topical and well constructed themed clue in 15a.
NTSPP – 108 (Review)
Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 108
A Puzzle by Bufo
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Welcome back to Bufo after a long absence with a silky smooth, straightforward and satisfying crossword. It was not especially difficult but was marked out for me by the clean cluing and polished surface readings.