Enigmatic Variations 1487 (Hints)
Difference by Chalicea
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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Solvers are accustomed to crosswords by Chalicea and know that they can expect something graphic in the final grid – probably something to be highlighted, with relatively gentle clues.… Continue reading
Enigmatic Variations 1486 (Hints)
Satisfaction by proXimal
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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New solvers have already met proXimal, the EV editor, in EV 1468 some months ago, and he sets some of the Toughies. You can be sure of a challenge but fair and carefully constructed clues too. Continue reading “EV 1486 (Hints)”
Enigmatic Variations 1485 (Hints)
Elementary by Opsimath
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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You will already have encountered Opsimath’s crosswords. He sets in the in the Magpie, Listener, Inquisitor and EV series.… Continue reading
Enigmatic Variations 1484 (Hints)
Herculean Task by Check
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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I believe we have a new setter here so we had no idea what to expect but found generous clues that generally led to familiar words, with the most challenging aspect being the solutions that had more than one clash in them – fortunately, there were only three of those.… Continue reading
Enigmatic Variations 1483 (Hints)
Mixed Feelings by Stick Insect
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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Stick Insect needs no introduction as a setter in the Magpie, Listener, Toughie and EV series. Continue reading “EV 1483 (Hints)”
Enigmatic Variations 1482
MAP by Gaston
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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Gaston is a familiar name to EV solvers and needs no introduction.
Preamble: Eight suitably positioned and thematically connected elements are hidden in the completed grid .… Continue reading
-V 1481: M-nd — — by -r–x
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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The Numpties can make no preliminary comments on the compiler this week as the solver has to spend a few amusing minutes working out who he or she is and sorting out what the solver is required to do.… Continue reading
Enigmatic Variations 1480
Spoiler Alert by Kcit
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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Kcit, who appears also as the setter Phi, has been setting crosswords for over 30 years for the Listener and Magpie series and the Inquisitor and EV.… Continue reading
Enigmatic Variations 1479
Transmutations by Wan
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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Wan’s crosswords appear in the Listener, Magpie, IQ and EV series. Thematic cryptic solvers are sure to have solved one of his before. With all that compiling experience, you can be sure that you are in safe hands, with fair clues.
Continue reading “EV 1479 (Hints)”
Enigmatic Variations 1478 (Hints)
Excusez-moi by Eclogue
Hints and tips by The Numpties
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Crosswords by Eclogue have been appearing in the EV and IQ series, Crossword Magazine and the Magpie, and on the Crossword Centre for over ten years. We are usually treated to his creations on the Crossword Centre message board at Christmas. Continue reading “EV 1478 (Hints)”