Comments on: Guardian 25,851 – Puck

By: Sil van den Hoek

Sil van den Hoek — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:20:44 +0000

Meaning?

By: rhotician

rhotician — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:20:15 +0000

Begorrah.

By: Sil van den Hoek

Sil van den Hoek — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:16:12 +0000

There was a time, perhaps two years ago, that I described a certain Saturday Prize Crossword by Puck as “a bumpy ride”.
But ever since I read Puck’s “Meet the Setter” interview with Alan Connor, I have always felt that this setter’s approach to setting crosswords is a bit like mine.

Some said, it was an easy crossword.
I read a comment saying that this was one for beginners.
Then I would say: Great – to start with such a Great puzzle.

For me, the level of difficulty or the challenge is not the main thing – sorry, RCW, I know you think differently.

I can imagine seeing Puck riding on his bike to work (or somewhere else), thinking of clues, and then coming up with one like the very fine 8d (GOOD DAY FOR DUCKS). Because that is how it works for me too.

Clue of the Day : 3d (FIFTIES).

My PinC found it a very enjoyable crossword.
It’s surely clear that I agree 100% with her!

By: SuzeeMoon

SuzeeMoon — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 22:48:38 +0000

It took me ages and I didn’t get “secondo” or 18d. Found te long answers most satisfying.

I too got 1a by working out 3d began with “f”.

Totally missed the “inner message”

By: Brendan (not that one)

Brendan (not that one) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 22:29:12 +0000

Oh, and I forgot to mention 29a.

Bonxie 18th December
Tirades delivered after man snaps (10)

Puck 22nd January
Royal to snap, giving rise to invective (9)

I’m sure the editor had a good reason for this

By: Brendan (not that one)

Brendan (not that one) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 21:48:38 +0000

I expected this to be a little more difficult as per a normal Puck. But the grid was a little too easy combined with the fact that I got all the long outside clues on the first pass!

For the same reasons as Tupu I had ACE for 18d. A perfectly good solution although it is obvious from the solution grid that PUCK intended ARE as the entered solution!

A really good crossword with great surfaces and clever cluing as ever.

By: nametab

nametab — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 21:39:22 +0000

Puck delights again.
RCW @ 29: I too was thwarted for a long time by having ‘amp’ at 18d
Missed the greeting in the middle.

By: swin

swin — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:22:52 +0000

Yes, I agree with Twm in message 51 – rooftop tiles and caterwauling cats. And many thanks to tohubohu for referencing this page. I too am a beginner and struggling and this page has been a revelation.

By: RCWhiting

RCWhiting — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:09:38 +0000

Glad to amuse and not offended in the least,Mitz.
In fact,I don’t think anything on a MB could offend me – it is all so nebulous.

By: Matt H

Matt H — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:44:45 +0000

A great solve! Thanks UY. 1ac cheered up a cold and miserable early morning commute for me