“In G&T, clues are given in two groups headed by the two numbered wordplay-only clues. Within each group, the clues are given in the normal order and either the clue (starred), or answer, requires thematic treatment, always involving a single letter. All answers and entries are real words, numbers in brackets refer to entry lengths. Solvers must highlight 11 letters in the completed grid and write two thematic words (10, 8) under the grid. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Mister Sting
Enigmatic Variations No.1406 – Entente by Chalicea
“As a gesture of ENTENTE solvers must 1ac 15 43 28 24 44 and complete the tripartite expression at 17 14 12. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1402 – EL CID by Kruger
“Corrections to single letter misprints in the definitions in 20 clues roughly identify characters who, along with what they are, must be highlighted (29 cells in total) in the completed grid. A further character and the context in which he could be similarly classified must also be highlighted (another 19 cells). Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1398 – Five of a Kind by Maranga
“The perimeter comprises FIVE OF A KIND, and the answer to one clue might be found in any of them. Solvers must highlight this entry in an appropriate colour. Unchecked letters in the perimeter could spell MAN GUZZLES BAR CLEAN FOR MONTH. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1394 – Coup de Grace by Gaston
“The unclued entries have been practising for the COUP DE GRACE by removing a thematic group of consecutive letters from eight normally clued entries, always leaving shorter, real words to be entered in the grid. In all other clues, wordplay indicates the answer with an extra letter; in clue order these letters reveal the theme. Solvers should administer the COUP DE GRACE themselves by blacking out two symmetrical groups of six.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1390 – Bolder by Jaques
“In clue order, the first letters of the answers give part of a quotation (in ODQ). Solvers must fit the answers jigsaw-style into the grid, although some are too short for the available space and must be entered with initial blank cells. Where answers begin with the same letter, their clues are presented in conventional order. Having entered the answers, solvers must take the BOLDER choice from the quotation, adapting one entry and completing the
remainder. Finally, solvers must show suitable confidence with their choice by altering three other letters in the grid. Apart from one, which is thematic, all entries in the final grid are real words. Numbers in brackets refer to answer lengths.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1386 – Suitable Powder by Oxymoron
“In SUITABLE POWDER, two letters must be removed from the answers in each row and column and placed at either end of that row/column. All answers are affected and the leftmost/uppermost omitted letters are to be placed in the leftmost/uppermost cell of the column/row. Solvers must complete the grid and highlight a symmetrically disposed representation of the perimeter (6,4). Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1382 – Reconstructions by Hedge-sparrow
“In RECONSTRUCTIONS, the answers to seven clues must be reconstructed, in each case omitting one letter, to form thematic entries. When the grid has been filled, an eighth thematic reconstruction, formed from the omitted letters, must be entered so as to consume another entry (leaving crossing entries as real words). Solvers must highlight a hidden term (6) which completes all the thematic entries. Numbers in brackets refer to entry lengths.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1378 – Weightwatchers’ Advice by The Ace of Hearts
“In WEIGHTWATCHERS’ ADVICE, two clues are normal, but their answers must be entered thematically. From the answer to every other clue a letter must be deleted wherever it appears before entry into the grid; definitions refer to the full unmutilated answer, and wordplay to the grid entry. In clue order, the omitted letters give a phrase followed by its definition. This definition should help solvers with the entry method of the two normal clues. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1374 – Mea Culpa by Ranunculus
“MEA CULPA: the results of my sins are suggested by modifications which must be made to three answers on entry into the grid; the lengths given are those of grid entries. Three other clues lack a shared definition; their solutions suggest my victims. My first name can be seen above; you must locate and highlight my nine-letter second name in the grid. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1370 – Quotation by Gos
“The theme of the puzzle is a well-known final comment, subsequently much quoted (although rarely in full). After completion of the grid the contents of 11 cells must be erased (always leaving real words) and one circled letter replaced, to reveal the encompassing QUOTATION (10 words). The 12 circled letters can then be arranged to form the speaker’s surname, which must be written below the grid. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended, but does not contain 20ac (which can be confirmed in ODE) or 10dn.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1366 – The Clash by Auctor
“THE CLASH will be on stage thirteen times. One set of letters (according to definitions when read in clue order) gives two names, whilst the other set spells the names of three adversaries; a generic name for the former pair appears in the circles. All grid entries are given by wordplay, and Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1362 – Christmas Eve by Augicea
“The unclued entries (6,4 and 5,5,6) were responsible for the thematic event which took place on CHRISTMAS EVE. Across and down clues clash in seven cells. In each across clue there is an extra word which must be removed before solving. The middle letters of these words, read in clue order, give a phrase that cryptically tells solvers which of the clashing letters must be chosen; not all resulting entries are real words. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; one answer is a variant spelling that can be found in the Oxford Dictionary of English.”
Enigmatic Variations No.1358 – Pairs by Hawk
“16 clues contain an additional word that must be removed before solving; in PAIRS, these give definitions for the eight unclued entries. Solvers must highlight a ten-letter word that describes these entries and definitions. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; one answer is in the Oxford Dictionary of English.”
Enigmatic Variations 1354 – More by Dale
“Clues are presented in alphabetical order of their answers, which must be entered where they will fit. Seven clues consist of wordplay only; on entry, their answers must be replaced with MORE. However, only six of these expansions fit in the grid; the seventh must be highlighted. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; one answer is in Collins.”