Sunday Toughie No 159 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
This puzzle was published on the 9th of February 2025
Putting the words to lights – crossword clues explained in plain English
Beam is Ray Terrell, who also sets regular cryptics which are usually published on Thursdays
Sunday Toughie No 159 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
This puzzle was published on the 9th of February 2025
Sunday Toughie No 159
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Beam has brought us his third Sunday Toughie. I found a couple of “traps” for the unwary and some tricky parsings here, but I think I have them all right now. Trademarks abound (less than 5.35 words per clue, single-word answers, the Queen and sweetheart, lurkers and initial letters too.)
I hope one of my usual commenters spots the name check in 16d and Senf gets a first name check too 10a!
A generous 16a and 16d clues today and I have hinted 7 of each – leaving me the scope for a bonus nudge or two if you ask
Here we go, Folks…
Toughie No 3423 by Beam
Hints and tips by Gazza
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment ***
Beam’s in a very benevolent mood today – thanks to him.
Continue reading “Toughie 3423”
Sunday Toughie No 156 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
This puzzle was published on the 19th of January 2025
Sunday Toughie No 156
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Beam is back for his second Sunday Toughie and it is a treat, all his trademarks™ are there (sweetheart, The Queen, single-word answers and an average 5.375 words per clue) I found a lot of cycle parts but as a cycling fan I am probably a bit biased. It allowed me to tell a couple of old jokes too.
We have a generous 16a and 16d clues today and I have hinted half plus a couple of bonus pics. I hope you find enough checkers to fill the grid.
Here we go, Folks…
Toughie No 3407 by Beam
Hints and tips by Gazza
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
Thanks to Beam for another entertaining puzzle with all his usual trademarks.
Continue reading “Toughie 3407”
Sunday Toughie No 150 by Beam
Review by Sloop John Bee
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
This puzzle was published on the 8th of December 2024
Toughie No 3391 by Beam
Hints and tips by Gazza
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty */** – Enjoyment ***
Thanks to Beam for a fairly straightforward and enjoyable puzzle with little to frighten the gee-gees. I only required BRB assistance to verify the second bit of 17d. I originally thought that there was an error in 13a but now I’m not so sure.
Continue reading “Toughie 3391”
Sunday Toughie No 150
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Well that was a surprise! Beam has shone over my Saturday night/Sunday morning. Once I got over the surprise it went smoothly. All the usual 20d’s are there (Average 5.3 words per clue, sweetheart and a queen) I am sure there are other Beam trademarks but my experience of Beam is somewhat limited as his toughies usually fall on my busy work days
14a and 16d clues and I have hinted just under half – a bonus nudge may be available if you are still stuck
Here we go, Folks…
Toughie No 3375 by Beam
Hints and tips by Gazza
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ***
It’s Beam regular monthly outing – enjoyable as ever with the main problem being questions along the lines of ‘how does x mean y?’. Thanks to him.
Continue reading “Toughie 3375”