“In each clue, half of one word must be removed before solving, always leaving a real word. The initial letters of the removed halves, in clue order, spell the beginning of a line referring to a BATTLE whose author fills the unclued entries, initially blank. One unclued entry must then be modified in accordance with the end of the line and the result shaded an appropriate colour. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; 4 down is in Collins Dictionary.”
Enigmatic Variations
Enigmatic Variations No. 1541 Difference by Ifor
A puzzle from Ifor with clashes between the wordplay and the defined grid entry. The difference between the clashing letters leading to the population of the bottom row. Some tricky definitions in the … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1540: Going Postal by Piccadilly
Hello, and happy Jubbly weekend! Thanks to Piccadilly, who has given us a fun reminder of where to go with the EV when done – which certainly beats the Telegraph telling the EV … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1539: Recovery by Eclogue
Eclogue appeals to the Hercule Poirot/Inspector Clouseau within us, to determine a ‘stolen work’ and its creator – although happily the theft(s) led to eventual RECOVERY…
Enigmatic Variations – the future
Enigmatic Variations I’ve been seeing rumours that The Telegraph has decided to discontinue the EV from end of July. I say rumours because I’ve had no official word from anyone. I’ve tried emailing … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No.1538 – Tour by Vismut
“Alternate down clues have an extra word, to be removed before solving, taken from a prayer which is always said before the start of an annual TOUR, which can have different high spots; their position in the clue indexes which letter to use from that word. In clue order, these letters have undergone some ups and downs and must be restored to the correct order to give the title of this prayer which indicates what runs around the perimeter of the grid in a clockwise direction and completes four unclued entries. Finally, one thematic destination must be changed to a general location. Unchecked letters of thematic entries give A DARK HILL HUMOUR SHOWS A BIT and all words before or after any changes are proper nouns or can be found in Chambers Dictionary (2016).”
Enigmatic Variations No. 1537 Additive by Kcit
It’s May and Kcit (aka Phi) provides the EV entertainment. A blank bottom row, an unclued middle row comprising 4 components and an unclued bottom row – making new words in the grid. … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1536: Gallimaufry by proXimal
Hi all. We were treated to an EV puzzle of the highest order for a “low” day … The preamble reads: Answers are entered around the appropriate numbered square, clockwise or anticlockwise, … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1535: Painful Poems by Chalicea
An Eng. Lit. test this week (not my strongest subject at skool), with Chalicea asking us to find two PAINFUL POEMS…probably not limericks then?…
Enigmatic Variations No.1534 – Six Thieves by Aver
“Each clue contains an extra word that must be removed before solving; selecting either the first or last letter of these words spells an incomplete sentence, while the other letters spell two instructions. Solvers must carry out the two instructions to reveal the SIX THIEVES. Chambers Dictionary (2016) and ODQ are recommended; all entries at all stages are real words or phrases.”
Enigmatic Variations No. 1533 Nothing by Hedge-Sparrow
Nothing – interesting title. Some thematic adjustment to answers and highlight the nothing theme and strangely no clue numbers but not a jigsaw. Therein lieth a clue. The thematic device being to remove … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1532: How? by Vagans
Hi everybody. Thanks to Vagans for a puzzle which was enjoyable to solve and gave something to discover at the end – plus a nice cryptic feature in the grid to highlight. … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1531: The Correct Solution by Gaston
As solvers, we are all striving to reach THE CORRECT SOLUTION – some just for the satisfaction, others for the chance to win the Holy Grail of the EV – a ‘fine Telegraph fountain pen’!
Enigmatic Variations No.1530 – Bare Necessities by Check
“In 24 clues an extra word must be removed before solving; in clue order, the central letters of these words spell out a creative duo and a cryptically abridged introduction to one of their works. Solvers must reveal the BARE NECESSITIES by deleting the contents of some cells in the final grid to form a thematic shape. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations No. 1529 Pine Box by Vismut
One of the most complex preambles I can recall reading. Across clues have no numbers and are missing a letter in their wordplay. The missing letters spell out where one might find pine … Read more >>