Enigmatic Variations

Enigmatic Variations No.1662 – Invaders by Vismut

by

“In ten of the across clues, an incorrect letter has pushed out the correct one; in 17 of the down clues a letter has walked away from the clue. In clue order, these incorrect and missing letters spell out some thematic names. The proliferation, unexpected appearance and (in one case) mutation of INVADERS must be dealt with so that four titular motifs and an associated thematic name can be seen (making new real-word crossing entries, including a city name). Unchecked letters in the perimeter, before any adjustments, might make CHAFF OR IDIOM. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”

Read more >>

Enigmatic Variations No.1658 – Pseudonym by Gaston

by

“Clues are presented in normal order, but there are nine unclued entries. One is the theme’s creator; the other eight comprise the seven members of a thematic group, with one member covering two entries. Twenty-two clues each contain a single-letter misprint. Read in clue order, the correct letters produce two names; the first eleven (all from across clues) spell out the theme’s central character, thought to be a PSEUDONYM for the eleven-letter second name (all from down clues). Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”

Read more >>

Enigmatic Variations No.1654 – Verse’s Opening Line by Ifor

by

“Clues are in normal order, giving every normal entry successively, in sequence. Answers must be entered routinely, in their entirety. Not all clues have orthodox solutions; seven are missing and require identifying, then answering, never straightforwardly. Highlight a phrase that identifies clues; four lines of six, symmetrically.”

Read more >>

Enigmatic Variations No.1650 – Undesirable Celebrity by Kruger

by

“Clues are given in alphabetical order of their answers, which must be entered where they will fit. Starting at the top left corner, the unclued perimeter identifies who became famous and the reason why, while the other two unclued entries reveal what caused this UNDESIRABLE CELEBRITY. Each clue contains an extra word; in normal clue order, the first, middle or last letters of these (approximately equal numbers of each) instruct what must be highlighted in the grid. Unchecked and mutually cross-checking letters from unclued entries could give SHOWS SPRING’S FLASH STUNTS. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”

Read more >>