NTSPP – 010 Review
A Puzzle by Radler
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This is the third puzzle by Radler in the NTSPP series. His previous two have been tough solves with cleverly constructed themes but have been less approachable as result.
In this puzzle, Radler has had mercy on his solvers and split the puzzle into more complex across clues and some more straightforward down clues. In general, the down clues are simpler though there are some complex constructions towards the end. Overall, the puzzle was far more approachable than the previous two puzzles.
On top of all this, Radler shows his flair by still including a mini theme and a NINA across the top row of the puzzle.
There are a few quibbles indicated in the review below but these are minor and do not detract from an enjoyable crossword.
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Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 010
Mixed Abilities by Radler
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Welcome to the tenth in our series of weekly puzzles.
This is the third by Radler – this puzzle has down clues that are, in general, easier than the across clues, hence Mixed Abilities.
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NTSPP – 009 Review
Spot the Links by Tilsit
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment *****
Given the preamble’s listing of 7 “true” and 4 “sort of” theme answers, plus the task of identifying extra words in all but one of the clues, I feared this was going to be a nightmare to solve, but it turned into a puzzle of moderate difficulty and some exceptionally imaginative clue-writing. I really do hope Tilsit has some more puzzles in the bank because if they’re anything like this we’re in for bags of fun in the tradition of the best cryptic crosswords.
On a first read through the clues only 2d gave an immediate answer and, strangely, I didn’t even notice the extra word! This is a feature that shone through consistently – in nearly all cases those extras were well hidden. It was a closer examination of 3d that got me into the theme (cleverly alluded to in the title) and after that the fears of a monster solve proved unfounded.
My favourite clues are in blue and I’ve added extra “click to highlight” parts which will reveal the extra word in each clue.
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Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 009
Spot the Links by Tilsit
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Welcome to the ninth in our series of weekly puzzles.
Ages ago, before the start of this series, Tilsit promised to write a puzzle for the blog. Well, at long last here it is!
There is a theme, which is particularly appropriate for this weekend (I’ll say no more before I give the game away). What I will say is that you must read the preamble before starting – if you don’t you may finish up scratching your head for quite a while.
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Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 008
A Puzzle by Prolixic
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Welcome to the eighth in our series of weekly puzzles.
Prolixic, or should that be Prolific, entertains us again. This one should be medium, say three stars. See if you agree.
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NTSPP – 007 Review
No, there’s no Bond theme! by Anax
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Anax says that he wanted to create a puzzle magazine crossword that they would consider a “mega-tough” cryptic puzzle. He wisely added, “we all know that what passes for mega-tough in a puzzle mag is probably on the easy side for solvers of quality daily newspaper cryptics. So here was the challenge; how advanced could I make the clues while sticking to the notion that they were to be not quite as hard as it might say on the tin?”
Personally, I found this a lot easier than Anax’s previous puzzle, NTSPP – 004. It was nonetheless enjoyable and well clued. There are a few minor comments below but this is an excellent introduction to an Anax puzzle – a lot of his playfulness, some of his hidden indicators and enjoyment all around.
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Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 007
No, there’s no Bond theme! by Anax
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Welcome to the seventh in our series of weekly puzzles. If you were wondering about the title, this is puzzle no. 007.
Anax is experimenting once more. This one should be medium difficult, say four stars. See if you agree.
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NTSPP – 006 Review
Air Travel by Radler
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ***
I found this puzzle to be entertaining in spite of the use of some difficult constructs. My advice to Radler would be twofold. First, try to avoid the use of words that are not in common usage. Second, look very carefully at the solvers ability to progress from the synonym to the answer.
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Not the Saturday Prize Puzzle – 006
Air Travel by Radler
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Welcome to the sixth in our series of weekly puzzles.
This is the second by Radler – another of our rising stars.
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NTSPP – 005 Review
A Puzzle by Prolixic
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Prolixic proves that his first puzzle was no fluke with this excellent second one. While there are still a few rough edges to be polished, I thought this was well up to the standard of many of the regular daily cryptics.
Sorry it’s a bit late, but I am steadily catching up on my backlog!
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