EV Crosswords – Page 27 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

EV 1603 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1603 (Hints)

Pie Crust by Jaques

Hints and tips by Phibs

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I wonder if Jaques, a new setter for me, is as melancholy as his name suggests? Of course, his pseudonym may have nothing to do with the Bard – the OED tells me that ‘jaques’ is an old term for a privy, so that could perhaps work if his real initials are WC. But then there’s Jacques of London, the famous maker of games, in particular the Staunton chess set. Am I getting warm…?

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EV 1602 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1602 (Hints)

Birds by Piccadilly

Hints and tips by Phibs

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This is the second time that I have provided the hints for a puzzle by Piccadilly, probably the only setter to name himself after a cigarette, though I can’t help feeling that Capstan Full Strength has more of a ring about it. I wonder if this particular crossword should carry a health warning…

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EV 1601 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1601 (Hints)

Lame by Vismut

Hints and tips by Phibs

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I’m afraid that I’m no nearer being able to explain this setter’s pseudonym than I was last time around, but I’ve entertained myself by trying to come up with a wordplay for it. Best so far: “I must start on various puzzles”. Yes, I know, ‘could do better’…

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EV 1600 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1600

Count 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 Fridays (used to be Thursdays). With such a range of setting experience, you can be sure you are in safe hands. Continue reading “EV 1600 (Hints)”