The Numpties – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

EV 1668 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1668 (Hints)

The Answer by Ifor

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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Ifor needs no introduction for EV solvers. Dave Hennings’ crossword database tells us that he has been setting them since 2010 and this will be his 47th in the series.… Continue reading

EV 1667 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1667 (Hints)

Negatives by Stick Insect

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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We know that we can rely on Stick Insect for a generous set of clues and a solve that we will enjoy, leading to a p.d.m.… Continue reading

EV 1666 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1666

Drop by proXimal

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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With proXimal, we know that we have a familiar setter who also sets as eXternal in the IQ and Listener series (and combines with another setter as eXtent). You might know him as Artexlen in the FT and Boz in The Herald. Big Dave’s regulars will know him from Thursday/Friday Toughies and back-pagers, where he’s also normally put in on Fridays (used to be Thursdays). With such a range of setting experience, you can be sure you are in safe hands. We remember that as the EV editor, he set that challenging and celebratory EV no 1600. Continue reading “EV 1666 (Hints)”

EV 1662 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1662 (Hints)

Invaders by Vismut

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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This is Vismut’s twentieth EV crossword and in the seven years that she has been setting thematic cryptic crosswords, we have seen them in the IQ, EV, Listener and Magpie series.… Continue reading

EV 1660 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1660

Border Dispute by Arcadia

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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Arcadia has not set an EV before but we have solved his Inquisitor, Magpie, and Listener crosswords previously.… Continue reading

EV 1658 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1658 (Hints)

Pseudonym by Gaston

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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This will be Gaston’s 29th EV crossword. He has been setting two or three a year for ten years, so you will probably have solved his crosswords before and know what a range of themes he handles – and that you are in good hands.… Continue reading

EV 1656 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1656 (Hints)

Transfiguration by Kcit

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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Kcit needs no introduction for EV solvers. Dave Hennings’ crossword database tells us that he has been setting them since 1993.… Continue reading

EV 1654 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1654 (Hints)

Verse’s Opening Line by Ifor

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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Ifor needs no introduction for EV solvers. Dave Hennings’ crossword database tells us that he has been setting them since 2010 and this will be his 46th in the series.… Continue reading

EV 1652 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1652

Disappearing by Piccadilly

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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It is a pleasure to solve a crossword by Piccadilly who has been setting them for 35 years and EVs since 1995.… Continue reading