“The definition in all but two thematic clues contains a single misprint that must be corrected before solving, occasionally requiring changes in spacing and punctuation. In clue order, the correct letters give two instructions. For the first, solvers must RING THE CHANGES (23 letters in total: 5,9;5;4). The second relates to letters within the six pre-marked rings, real words being formed; the resultant organisation’s director appears in the unclued entry. In the incorrect letters from misprints, perhaps WE FIND TOP TWENTY, DANCING AND CLASSICAL MUSIC; or CANDID NEWS, FACTS, ACTING, COMEDY – WIT/PUNS IN ALL. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Mister Sting
Enigmatic Variations No.1294 – Something Wrong by Kea
“Twelve answers are entered with SOMETHING WRONG, namely, a misprint of one letter; wordplay in their clues leads to the misprinted form. The correct letters in clue order spell a hint to the theme. Solvers must draw four thematic items (not necessarily in the form described) including all the misprints and 24 other letters. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.
Enigmatic Variations No.1290 – Good Auspices by Charybdis
‘In GOOD AUSPICES, answers to unclued entries in single-digit positions are thematically related; those at 11 (so they say) belong to a later set. Unchecked and mutually cross-checking letters of these unclued entries could spell WIND IS UP – I HALT DOZINGS. A seven-letter word which might be seen during the transition must be appropriately coloured (in whatever manner), as must two linked identical squares of four cells each. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.’
Enigmatic Variations No1286 – Resistance by Augeas
We have an abundance of instruction this week. All but two clues contain extra words. The first letters of these words (and the numbers of the other two clues) give an instruction. Nine ringed cells give a thematic object and surname.
Enigmatic Variations No.1282 – Title Change by Gos
“The puzzle’s theme is a work by a well-known British crime writer.” Well, I just read a book by a well-known British crime writer, and I know who I think it is…
Enigmatic Variations No.1278 – Rewriting History by Serpent
The wordplay in all across clues and in sixteen down clues are thematically modified. The across clues have extra letters, which spell out a message; the modifications applied to down clues are to be worked out. There are also two unclued entries, which must be replaced in line with the theme.
Enigmatic Variations No.1274 – Structure by proXimal
Puzzles like this one, where the clues given in alphabetical order of their answers, tend to involve a fair amount of cold solving before a tipping point where (if the solver is lucky) everything slots into place. I have a soft spot for them, but the obvious worry is that one will run into difficulty with the cold solving.
Enigmatic Variations No.1270 – Uplifting by Chalicea
The preamble tells us that there is an UPLIFTING sentiment found in five sides of the perimeter. However, the grid is a square, so what does this mean?
Enigmatic Variations No.1266 – Missing Lights by Shark
Sorry this one’s late! Apparently I hadn’t set it to publish automatically.
Enigmatic Variations No. 1262 – The Upton Times by Kruger
This puzzle has additional and missing letters, and misprints in definitions. However, we don’t know which clues are affected in what way or even how many of each there are (only that there are ‘approximately equal numbers of each’). Nor do we know what is to be done to complete the puzzle, only that these letters will explain whatever it is.
Well, this should be a piece of cake.
Enigmatic Variations No.100,008 – Christmas Day Message by Stick Insect
Apparently there’s nothing enigmatic about this title’s puzzle. I am reliably informed that internet-only EVs like this one (of which there have been 8) are numbered differently.
The preamble is clearly written, but there appear to be a number of challenges in the way of the solver – mainly various issues resulting from a surfeit of letters to inhabit the cells. I’m making my way through my stocking as I start this, so let’s hope there’s a nice way in to this puzzle…
Enigmatic Variations No.1255 – The Main Point by Chalicea
The grid is a graphic representation of a ’35 across’ (4). There’s a barred-off cell in the centre of the grid that has to be filled in, and a message composed of extra letters in the wordplay. There’s also a strong hint that we might have to draw a line of some sort.
Enigmatic Variations No.1251 – Prevention by Charybdis
The preamble tells us to ‘demand PROTECTION’ (capitalised – although that isn’t the given title?). No answer lengths are given, but we are told that ‘[a]ll cells must be filled such that all entries are real words’, so presumably some answers will be too short for their spaces? We also have to write ‘the theme word’ under the grid – a word that we’re told can be formed from the added letters.
Enigmatic Variations No.1247 – Changing Roles by Samson
The preamble tells us that we are going to be introduced to six fictional characters who, engaged in a common endeavour, are temporarily CHANGING ROLES. What connection will there be between these roles and the cell that is to be left blank?
Enigmatic Variations No.1243 – Potpourri by Ranunculus
The POTPOURRI in question in EV1243 is, the preamble tells us, made up of seven ingredients (a further one is ‘controversially omitted’).