“The answers to each pair of clues sharing a number must be MIXED so as to give the DOUBLES (pairs of names) that form the entry. Remaining across clues each contain a misprint in their definition; correct letters in clue order identify a playwright, one of whose works forms the central column. This work, differently punctuated, is part of a line (in ODQ) by another playwright which describes the shaded region of the grid. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended.”
Enigmatic Variations
Enigmatic Variations 1629 Ceaselessly by Curmudgeon
There is a quotation around the perimeter missing ‘Ceaselessly’ and extra letters in down clues give an instruction. A pretty straight forward EV this week – some uncommon words but nothing too difficult … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1627: The Missing Link by Gaston
Gaston challenges us to find a MISSING LINK, and to ‘deal with’ a barred-off central cell… The preamble states that: “Answers to eight normal clues have the same consecutive letters (the LINK) removed … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No.1626 – Cops by Piccadilly
“Across answers in six alternate rows are to be jumbled thematically before entry in the grid, and down answers in the fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth columns are to be jumbled non-thematically. Reading from top to bottom, left to right, the letters in the circled cells confirm the COPS theme.”
Enigmatic Variations 1625 Rogue by Karla
Well a new setter for me in the EV space. And a complex preamble too. 11 across answers need thematic treatment and the other answers in these rows have a single letter misprint … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1624: Shadows by Skylark
Hi everyone. Skylark invites us to play in a world of shadows …
Enigmatic Variations No. 1623: Bus Stop by Chalicea
Chalicea has us waiting at a BUS STOP on New Year’s Eve…will three come along at once?…
Enigmatic Variations No.1622 – The Hater Who Had a Hater by proXimal
“In accordance with the state of the unclued HATER before and after a cryptic HATER, three down clues need a pair of consecutive letters omitted and 12 across clues need a letter to be added before solving; these letters give a source. Solvers must change the HATER to the source of scorn, making a word of a personal message to solvers. Finally, a cryptic HATER should be applied to four down entries to reveal the message (four across entries to be highlighted). All entries are real words or phrases at every stage.”
Enigmatic Variations 1621 Playing the Game by Kcit
The 10×10 grid is to be viewed as 25 2×2 blocks and numbers derived by adding the numerical value of the letter in each block. In each double set of clues there is … Read more >>
Enigmatic Variations No. 1620: Land Race by Kruger
Hello everybody. As this is my last 225 blog before CHARTISMS, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all you lovely people peace and joy. Now, onto the joy of another entertaining EV …
Enigmatic Variations No. 1619: Polyfilla by Check
Check has got the POLYFILLA out this week – has some DIY gone wrong?…
Enigmatic Variations No.1618 – Different Relation by Hedge-Sparrow
“Three related unclued entries all suggest how ten answers must be modified before entry. In the completed grid, solvers must highlight five words (suitably disposed, 38 cells in total, all confirmed by Chambers) which have a DIFFERENT RELATION to one of the unclued entries. Chambers Dictionary (2016) is recommended; all entries are real words or names.”
Enigmatic Variations 1617 Mistaken Identity by Ifor
A mistaken identity to be written beneath the grid exemplifying modifications to 10 across answers. Another 3 in remaining rows must be changed as the remark says. Last bit is to remove a … Read more >>