A somewhat unusual set-up: across clues are given in pairs, and the method of entry for four across rows is thematic (whatever that might turn out to mean), with no definition given. Another row is unclued, and must be filled with ‘the reason for the WARNING’. The down clues, meanwhile, are not idle – extra letters from their solutions give ‘the subject of the WARNING’.
Mister Sting
Enigmatic Variations No.1163 – Lucas by MynoT
I have a soft spot for puzzles such as this that have clues presented in alphabetical order of their answers. Goodness knows why, when I might end up staring at a blank grid! Perhaps its just that the ‘sort and slot’ technique appeals to the same desire for order as jigsaws.
At any rate, ‘Lucas’ could be a number of things. Isn’t George still flogging the dead horse of Star Wars? Maybe it’s related to that.
Enigmatic Variations No.1159 – Offerings by Samson
I’m fond of these perimeter-quotation puzzles, although they can make things a little tricky if you can’t get a toe-hold in the centre of the puzzle. However, it’s not clear how much if any of the quotation will survive the dramatic cull proposed in the preamble (we are to delete almost three quarters of the grid once it’s been filled in).
Enigmatic Variations No.1155 – Reductions by Oxymoron
Oxymoron gives some hints about the possible construction of the puzzle here, by calling it REDUCTIONS, and telling us in the preamble of “a shortage of space” and “clashes”, and warning us that the number of cells given in grid entries may not be the number of letters in answers to clues.
All well and good. That still leaves a lot of questions.
Enigmatic Variations No.1151 – Contest by Kcit
Well, this is a strange-looking little thing! A 15 by 8 box, with numbered columns and lettered rows. And then there’s all sorts of other gubbins – jumbling and extra letters – with a little bit of highlighting for good measure.
OK. Deep breath, and let’s begin.
Enigmatic Variations No.1147 – Sets Out by Ferret
I’ve got my fingers crossed for an EV about set theory, although I think it unlikely. Apart from that, I’m distracted by what a ferret might set out. Answers on a postcard, please…
Enigmatic Variations No.1139 – Remake by Stick Insect
Remakes and original productions? Personally, I’m hoping it’s about ‘Robocop’, although I accept that may be unlikely. This being the EVs, it might just as well be about the creation of the world…
Enigmatic Variations No.1135 – The Seminal Moment by Gaston
Many EVs have marked moments of one kind or another. Will this be an historical occasion, a moment in a process, or something else entirely. (Excellent! I’ve written an introduction that doesn’t mention semen.)
Enigmatic Variations No.1131 – The Journey South by Gila
A puzzle by ‘Gila’ this week. Will it prove to be a monster? If it does, at least they’re ‘normally not fatal to adult humans’, which is a relief.
Enigmatic Variations No.1127 – Nightmare by Eclogue
‘ordeal, horror, torment, torture, trial, calamity, agony, anguish, awful experience’.
That’s how Chambers describes a nightmare. Oh goody…
Enigmatic Variations No.1123 – Untitled by Samuel
The title doesn’t give a lot to go on, but I think we all recognise the setter.
Enigmatic Variations No.1119 – Pacemaker by Ifor
‘PACEMAKER’ has two very different connotations. There’s the one trailblazing for the fit, and there’s the one that gives help to the less healthy. Will either of those meanings describe this puzzle?
Enigmatic Variations No.1115 – Hurry Up by Moordon
HURRY UP, says (new?) solver Moordon. Hang about, I haven’t even started! Will this rush prove rash?
Enigmatic Variations No.1111 – December 2184 by Samuel
I think it’s safe to say that none of us will be around in December 2184 to verify any sequences that may or may not be continued. So we’d better hope that we can work out what Samuel has in mind some other way.