“In 11 clues, the wordplay leads to the answer and an additional letter not to be entered into the grid; in clue order these letters give THE ULTIMATE PRIZE. Four entries clued without definition are associated surnames, three of which stand in the way of those seeking the prize; a fourth such surname (six letters) must be highlighted, as must be the two normally clued entries which form a cryptic indication of the puzzle’s theme. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended, but does not contain one entry that can be found in the Oxford Dictionary of English.”
Enigmatic Variations
Enigmatic Variations 1349 One Direction by Gnomie
14 entries without definition but some form of connection leading in one direction to an unclued entry. This unclued entry is repeated elsewhere in the grid. 20 cells to highlight therefore either a … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1348: Musical Theme and Variations by Jago
A relatively straightforward preamble this week. In MUSICAL THEME AND VARIATIONS, the THEME (16dn) is a musical work — probably its composer’s best-known piece — and the VARIATIONS are literally based on its … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1347: Remainder by Gaston
A nicely constructed grid and a reasonably challenging puzzle in REMAINDER from Gaston this week… The preamble states that: “This week, a large thematic group are bound for the entry in the central … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No.1346 – Driver by Oxymoron
“In DRIVER, a word is to be removed from each clue before solving. Letters formed by adding the initial letter of that word to the last letter of the clue answer define a word (A=1,27; B=2,28; etc). Solvers must reveal that word by highlighting seven of its examples, a total of 51 cells. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended, but does not give 40ac (in OED) and 3dn (a fairly common term).”
Enigmatic Variations 1345 A Representation of… by Piccadilly
A perimeter with a message and some blank cells to be shaded to represent the perimeter. As preambles go very straight forward. This was a lot of fun. Not a difficult clue solve, … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1344: Frustration by Kruger
This week’s preamble: In most clues, the wordplay leads to the defined answer and an additional letter not to be entered into the grid. Additional letters from across clues identify where a source … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1343: Hollywood by Artix
A complex and multi-layered EV this week, which I think I solved, and definitely submitted, but can’t fully explain… The preamble states that: “The puzzle’s theme is a six-word phrase. A word that … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No.1342 – Accomplishment by Chalicea
’44 honoured ACCOMPLISHMENT in 1, 4, 21, 32 and 42 (all unclued); solvers must highlight one of his own. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations 1341 The Wasted Land by Auctor
It may be me but the preamble took a long time to decipher this week. My rough translation – Down clues are normal but some have swapped their definitions and across clues lose … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1340: What It Says on the Tin by Gaston
For those who didn’t see my blog last month, you didn’t miss much. It described the abject failure I had with Sadly Lacking by Ranunculus. I didn’t major in Happy Families… and I … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1339: Clash by Samuel
Some nifty footwork from Samuel this week…
Enigmatic Variations No.1338 – London Songbook by Marmaduke
“In a game of LONDON SONGBOOK, six clues consist of a partial song title that can be completed in a punning fashion by adding the name of a part of London. For instance, If I Were a ____ (from Fiddler on the Roof) might be completed with the word ‘Richmond’ to give a punning version of the song title If I Were a Rich Man. Answers to these clues must be entered where they will fit. In ten across clues, the wordplay leads to the answer and an additional letter not to be entered into the grid. In clue order, these letters give a musical group and a further partial song title; solvers must highlight the eight-letter part of London which might complete the title.”
Enigmatic Variations 1337 First Instalment by Ifor
A seriously long preamble – extra letters and missing letters in alternating down clues. Something weird to happen to two across clues and 16 letters to find in a closed loop, inside which … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1336: Sadly Lacking by Ranunculus
The preamble, followed by a confession: In nine clues the definition contains an extra letter which must be removed before solving. In clue order, these letters, together with the solutions to these clues, … Read more >>