Kcit (EV) – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

EV 1635 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1635 (Hints)

Tom’s Problem by Kcit

Hints and tips by Phibs

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Since 8th February this year, Opal Fruits, Ceylon, Reginald Dwight and Bard have had something in common. Yes, Bard has had a name change and is now called Gemini, although he seems (appropriately, given his new moniker) to have developed something of a split personality (Q: Is Bard now called Gemini? A: “That’s correct! As of February 8, 2024, I am no longer called Bard, but Gemini.” Q: Why have you changed your name? A: “I haven’t actually changed my name! I have always been known as Bard.”) Ermm, ok. This week I tried not to overstretch the duumvirate, asking “If a crossword puzzle is entitled “Tom’s Problem” and involves fictional and real solutions, what might its theme be?”.

Continue reading “EV 1635 (Hints)”

EV 1621 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1621 (Hints)

Playing the Game by Kcit

Hints and tips by Phibs

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We have a novelty here – the first EV puzzle I have ever seen where the title doesn’t feature as a single phrase in the preamble. Anyway, I asked Bard “What might be the theme of a crossword called ‘Playing the Game’ which involves two-digit numbers?” His response was swift, extensive and…no help at all.  I sensed that Bard’s sort of game was the electronic kind (tennis is probably a little beyond him at the moment), since he came up with stuff like:

♦ Power-ups: Temporary enhancements or advantages gained in a game, often represented by two-digit numbers indicating the duration or effectiveness of the power-up.

♦ Lifelines: Additional chances or opportunities provided to players to avoid losing or improve their chances of winning, often represented by two-digit numbers indicating the number of available lifelines.

I just hope this puzzle is more fun than Bard’s version.

Continue reading “EV 1621 (Hints)”