97 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog

Tag: 97

Sunday Toughie 97 (Hints)

by Sloop John Bee  

Sunday Toughie No 97

by Robyn

 

Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee

 

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Robyn going a bit easier before Christmas I think, I have hinted just under half 😮 of 16a and 14d clues today so I have a bit of latitude to give bonus nudges if you need them.
The Reverend Doctor Spooner makes an appearance but seems quite benign today, I liked it and 3d and 25a today but I am sure there are other candidates for your podia

I haven’t heard if anything special is planned for Sunday Toughie 100 on Christmas Eve yet, but It will probably be a sterner test than this, I hope Chris Lancaster goes easy on us and includes it in advance copies he usually sends to CrypticSue

Here we go…

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Toughie No 97

by Big Dave  

Toughie No 97 by Cephas

Firm but fair

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

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are becoming a bit of a struggle with two crosswords to be blogged – I already have help on Thursday, Friday and the Saturday Review.  If you would like to help, then get in touch through Contact.  Today I have changed the format a little so that the components of the answer, and the answer itself, are in capitals.

The puzzle itself was firm but fair, apart from some of the silly three letter clues.  Peter Biddlecombe (whose Review of  last Saturday’s puzzle will be published at noon tomorrow) won’t like the grid on this one – four totally separate corners joined only in the centre.  Don’t be surprised if you get some of the answers and then struggle to find the wordplay, but then that’s why this blog is here!

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