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.”

Read more >>

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.”

Read more >>

Enigmatic Variations No.1526 – Elimination by Wan

“In 27 clues an extra letter (always in the wordplay part) must be discarded before solving, thereby completing most of A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION; another to be eliminated must be removed from the grid. The finisher must be revealed by replacing an appropriate word (six cells). The theme must be highlighted in the grid, apart from the 1st, 5th and 14th (last) letters. Finally, the two parts must be linked by adding a bar and then both parts embellished (in the solver’s own style) to depict the finisher. All changes leave real words; Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”

Read more >>