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?
Mister Sting
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’).
Enigmatic Variations No.1239 – What’s at Stake? by Kcit
Half of the clues have an extra letter coming from the wordplay, and the other half have an extra letter in the clue itself. The former ‘spell out an interpretation to be placed on the grid. The latter ‘spell out what must be highlighted in the completed grid, and why five of the 17 cells involved must be distinguished from the other 12.’ The completed grid will also have ‘a thematic comment that identifies the distinguishing feature’.
How very curious.
Enigmatic Variations No.1235 – Response by Giovanni
Omitted letters from across clues – unusually along with ‘what has happened to them’ – spell out ‘an extract from a quotation’. The puzzle’s title is from the symbolised RESPONSE that is to be highlighted in the completed grid.
Enigmatic Variations No.1231 – Awake! Why? by MynoT
This is my second ‘enter where they will fit’ puzzle in a row. I normally enjoy these, but this one has an additional element on top of the cold solving – ten answers must be ‘thematically treated’.
Enigmatic Variations No.1227 – Thinking Outside the Box by Piccadilly
Thinking Outside the Box is an ‘enter where they will fit’ puzzle. These typically require a lot of cold solving, so we’re (more than usually) at the mercy of the setter. If the clues are very difficult, these take a great deal of work. So how much thinking – inside or outside the box – will Piccadilly’s puzzle require?
Enigmatic Variations No.1223 Treasure Island by Ranunculus
The puzzle comes in the form of an old-style treasure map with ‘cryptic’ instructions. Buccaneers, cutlasses, captains, pirates, and booty are among the various apparently thematic elements that appear in the clues, but will they help us find the treasure or will Cap’n Gown’s hoard prove elusive?
Enigmatic Variations No.1219 – Semi-detached by Nod
There are 60 clues, but there are only 42 spaces in the grid. What is the resolution to this problem?
Enigmatic Variations No.1215 – Slapdash by Ogit
I’ve never known an EV to be slapdash, and I doubt this one will be!