Piccadilly (EV) – Page 2 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

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 1589 Hints

Enigmatic Variations 1589 (Hints)

RQAKHNNE WZFADE by Piccadilly

Hints and tips by Phibs

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The Playfair cipher was devised in 1854 by Charles Wheatstone (he of the electrical bridge), but is named for Lord Playfair, who promoted its use in military communications. Playfair puzzles are the Marmite of the barred puzzle world, and I think it’s fair to say that neither the Numpties nor I could be numbered among their fans – however, there are others who reckon they are the best thing for sliced bread, and who are we to question their taste?

Although Ximenes once playfully chose CAB as the key phrase in a Playfair puzzle, it is usual for words or phrases of ten or more letters to be chosen. No letter can appear more than once in this phrase, and it cannot contain both of the letters (here I and J) which do duty for each other.

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EV 1578 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1578 (Hints)

Two Words by Piccadilly

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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It is a pleasure to download a crossword by Piccadilly who has been setting them for 34 years and EVs since 1995 – this one is his 52nd Enigmatic Variations crossword.… Continue reading

EV 1552 (Hints)

Enigmatic Variations 1552 (Hints)

Instruction by Piccadilly

Hints and tips by The Numpties

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For the Numpties’ return to hint-writing (we’ll be alternating with Phibs from now on) it is a pleasure to begin with a crossword by Piccadilly who, as we said when writing hints for his last EV where he gave the postal address for Telegraph crosswords, has been setting crosswords for 33 years and EVs since 1995 – this one is his 51st Enigmatic Variations crossword.… Continue reading