Wednesday – Page 110 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

DT 25987

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25987

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty **** Enjoyment ****

Even the seasoned pros amongst you will find this difficult!  A very enjoyable puzzle, but some of the clues are a bit convoluted.

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DT 25981

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25981

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ****

While the same setters appear to be used for the other days of the week, there is little doubt that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are being rotated.  This puzzle was very enjoyable, and far better than the one a week ago.  If I’m correct in guessing then this is one of my favourite setters, and an old friend may pay a visit later!

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DT 25975

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25975

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment **

I found this to be a disapppointing puzzle.  There was little of merit, and the overuse of initial and final letter constructs that failed to contribute to the surface reading was irritating.

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DT 25957

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25957

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty *** Enjoyment ****

What a good week this is turning out to be.  Today we have a first class puzzle with some of the best surface reading that I have seen in a daily cryptic for some time.  One or two minor quibbles where that surface reading gets in the way of the accuracy of the clue, but when you get quality like this who cares!

Following recent discussions on the difficulty rating I have increased this from two stars to three to compensate for clues like 18 down which, while making us oldies smile, will no doubt cause problems for the younger solvers

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DT 25951

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25951

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ***

Rather like last Wednesday’s puzzle, this one is not too difficult but has some well-constructed clues.  This could be a good one for all you newbies out there (and you too BigBoab!).

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DT 25939

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25939

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty *** Enjoyment ****

It has been long established that the Telegraph, with occasional exceptions, used the same setter each week for any given day.  Recently it has been obvious that this no longer applies – I cannot believe that this puzzle was from the same source as last week’s travesty.  This one is not only easier than a week ago, but much more enjoyable.

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DT 25933

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 25933

Hints and tips by Big Dave

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BD Rating – Difficulty **** Enjoyment *

After last weeks enjoyable puzzle we come down to earth with this one.  You can make up your own mind what you think of it as my opinion is unprintable.

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