Comments on: Independent 6329 / Math – pretty tough

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nmsindy — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:39:11 +0000

When noting solving times for 2006, Math was slightly quicker than my Indy average. However this particular puzzle I found harder than usual from Math.

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eimi — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:36:58 +0000

Math’s previous two crosswords have had a theme, which can make them easier. On the subject of which, if you haven’t tried Virgilius I’m sure you’ll have fun with Tuesday’s offering.

I’d say Math is midrange difficulty, possibly harder than Virgilius and Dac (Wednesday), but generally easier than Punk (this Thursday) and Nimrod (this Friday).

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rightback — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 23:19:41 +0000

I think I agree, though I’m not sure how much difference it would have made.

To me, none; but it might have helped someone who knew the word CIRCLET to get the answer by enabling them to deduce that ‘Headband’ was the definition. But then I thought that anyway.

oxfordloner – I think in terms of clue construction, this was probably about average for the Independent; in terms of word difficulty, it was probably a bit harder than average. Others may disagree. I always get Math mixed up with Mass (another Indie setter) so can never remember what I think is ‘average’ for either of them!

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oxfordloner — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 23:06:51 +0000

First time i’ve tried the Independent, found it tough going. Got most of the “down” answers though. Is it always this tough I wonder? (Would of struggled to get Buckybal).
Thanks for the help.l

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petebiddlecombe — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:57:20 +0000

I think I agree, though I’m not sure how much difference it would have made.

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rightback — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 20:32:35 +0000

I had the same experience of being stuck on 5dn and unsure about TURN-UPS. Unlike you I couldn’t come up with CIRCLET (not a word I knew), but surely ‘not completely OTT’ merits a question mark?