Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2483 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
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Category: Sunday
John Halpern has been the regular Sunday setter since he took over from Brian Greer on 18th November 2018. He is also known as Dada.
ST 2482 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2482 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
ST Cryptic No 2481 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2481 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Sundays may never be the same again! Another very enjoyable puzzle which, although not difficult, leaves you feeling satisfied – unless of course you liked the strange clues and odd construction that used to be the norm!
It seems that the change in style is linked to a whole new approach to the Sunday puzzles in general – although printing one prize puzzle on the back of another is something that the Puzzles Editor should perhaps rethink! I have asked for guidance on the admissibility of copies of prize puzzles, and will let you all know when I get it. Continue reading “ST Cryptic No 2481 – Review”
ST Cryptic No 2480 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2480 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
This was the most enjoyable Sunday puzzle in a long time. It’s hard to explain how one relatively easy puzzle is more satisfying than another – it has a lot to do with the “smile factor” 
that you get when you have solved a particular clue. Continue reading “ST Cryptic No 2480 – Review”
ST Cryptic No 2479 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2479 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
As I wrote last Sunday, I found it a little easier this week – on a par with the average daily puzzle. My feedback, private and public, is mixed but generally in favour of the change in style.
Continue reading “ST Cryptic No 2479 – Review”
ST Cryptic No 2478 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2478 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
Another hard but satisfying Sunday puzzle, although I do feel that when the first letter is unchecked in 20 of the answers, out of a total of 28, it does make for a difficult puzzle.
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Continue reading “ST Cryptic No 2478 – Review”
ST Cryptic No 2477 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2477 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Yet another good Sunday puzzle – not as difficult as last week’s but just as enjoyable.
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Continue reading “ST Cryptic No 2477 – Review”
ST Cryptic No 2476 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2476 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
A hardish crossword, but the improvement in the Sunday puzzles continues.
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ST Cryptic No 2475 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2475 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
The Sunday puzzle has improved significantly over the last two or three weeks. This one was not as difficult as some of the earlier ones due, in part, to the noticeable lack of contentious clues.
ST Cryptic No 2474 – Review
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 2474 – Review
A full analysis by Big Dave
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BD Rating – Difficulty **** – Enjoyment ****
As regular followers of my reviews are aware by now, I have not been a great fan of the Sunday crosswords. Well, thing are looking up a bit and, for the second week running, I actually enjoyed this one. A few weak clues, too many double definitions, and a grid which isolated the top right and bottom left corners means that there is still room for improvement, but a definite step in the right direction. Continue reading “ST Cryptic No 2474 – Review”