By: Nigel Baker
22d last in. Very much a stop start day due to sons birthday celebrations. Could have done with something a bit less time consuming. 18a was my favourite. Regds to all.
View ArticleBy: Sweet William
I am interested by references above to GK clues – and having had a quick look reckon that about a third of the clues might be described as GK ? Is this unusual for a back page cryptic – it certainly...
View ArticleBy: Digby
But she only won because no-one else entered! And she’s as British as half the England cricket team.
View ArticleBy: gazza
Giovanni is probably more of a ‘GK’ setter than the other regular setters, but I wouldn’t say that any of the clues today required very specialised knowledge.
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By: Annidrum
At first run through I thought I was going to get nowhere with this,but very gradually it fell into place but needed help with 7d & the d’oh moment of 10a. I agree with Gazza’s star rating ....
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By: Derek
Not one of the Don’s more difficult puzzles. Faves :9a, 19a, 21a, 7d, 16d & 17d. Fish tonight with a drop of NZ Sauvignon Blanc. Then rasps & cream.
View ArticleBy: crypticsue
And you wouldn’t want to miss the chance of solving such a splendid puzzle either.
View ArticleBy: Heno
Thanks to the two G’s. Quite enjoyed it but needed 6 of Gazza’s excellent hints to complete. Couldn’t get on the setter’s wavelength at all. Lovely day in Central London.
View ArticleBy: Brian
Fabulous crossword, best for a long time and certainly the best of this very poor weeks offerings. For me 7d is probably the best crossword clue I have ever come across, just brilliant! Many thx to...
View ArticleBy: Qix
If 7d is the best clue you’ve ever seen, then you need to stay in more… …but it is a good puzzle.
View ArticleBy: stanXYZ
I’ve already submitted my entry – but it seems that the Prize Puzzle by gazza can no longer be found in the “Recent Posts” column.
View ArticleBy: Stoic Stan
What a splendid Sunday evening, listening to the Guy Garvey show on the radio and pitting my wits against Giovanni’s puzzle. Got 18a straight away, but struggled with 9a until I had a “road to...
View ArticleBy: gazza
Stan, Your puzzle went into moderation because you’ve changed your alias since your last comment. Both should work from now on.
View ArticleBy: Mike Simpson
Especially for a New Zealand who can’t keep up with so many British references (although I did like the Otago one).
View ArticleBy: Stuart
Too reliant on proper nouns. It’s an analytical exercise, not a general knowledge quiz. I’ve never heard of the chap in 15a. That’s just a personal view and perhaps I should read more widely!
View ArticleBy: gazza
Stuart, Your comment went into moderation because you’ve changed your alias. Both old and new should work from now on.
View ArticleBy: 2Kiwis
Thank you Giovanni for 2d. One glance at the grid and we were able to write in the answer immediately. With a start like that, we were able to work steadily and enjoyably through the rest of the clues...
View ArticleBy: Jezza
Despite what seemed like a plethora of proper nouns, I did enjoy this one. Last couple in for me, 7d and 10a. Thanks to Giovanni, and to Gazza. I also enjoyed the toughie today, which I found quite...
View ArticleBy: Sweet William
Needed not just 2 hints but 2 answers to finish ! Even the hints didn’t help ! and have never heard of the answers – So in need of a break ! off next week – going birdwatching on the Isle of Mull....
View ArticleBy: pommers
Agree about the number of proper nouns being a bit OTT but an enjoyable puzzle nevertheless. 2*/4* for me. Last in and favourite was 7d. Thanks to Giovanni and Gazza.
View ArticleBy: Big Dave
A rogue letter in your email address (now corrected) sent your comment into moderation.
View ArticleBy: Beaver
Certainly a different mindset today for the setter, the sort of crossword John Cleese might write!Howeaver very witty and enjoyable***/*** for me . Struggled with 7d until i thought of the vulcan...
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By: Franny
I needed your hints to finish today, Gazza — couldn’t find 18a or 2d and didn’t see the anagram at 14d. Best for me were 9a and 16d. I’ve been distracted all week trying to cast a production of “As you...
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By: Kath
That was good fun – it’s successfully kept me out of mischief for much longer that usual. I found it really difficult – at least 4* from me. Like Jezza my last two were 10a and 7d, mainly because I’d...
View ArticleBy: Brenda Reding
Took longer than usual over this — I wasn’t concentrating properly but found it quite amusing particularly 9A. and I liked 26A because it is so logical, all-in-all a good puzzle, thanks to setter and...
View ArticleBy: Qix
Nonetheless it’s a very famous work indeed, and that makes the equally famous author’s surname absolutely fair game for a mass-market crossword, IMO.
View ArticleBy: gazza
Thanks, 2Kiwis. I too hope that entries for the prize puzzle are flooding in. Just a reminder to those who haven’t yet entered – you still have plenty of time and your chances of winning are an order...
View ArticleBy: crypticsue
I was ‘helped’ by the boss with this one, well he thought he was helping, I just ignored him and carried on regardless. Agree with Gazza’s star ratings and his favourite clues so thank you to him and...
View ArticleBy: Captain Lethargy
I found this hard today – simply because it was not a run of the mill crossword. Once I realised I had to think a bit more then it became enjoyable. Good fun and some definite doh moments (esp 7d and...
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By: Steve_the_beard
Very enjoyable, and I certainly agree with the star ratings. Last two were 7D and then 10A. I think I knew too much for 7D (BSc Maths, MSc Maths…) but fortunately I starting drawing triangles and...
View ArticleBy: BigBoab
Many thanks to Giovanni for a very enjoyable crossword, (perhaps a little more GK than cryptic in parts). Thanks to Gazza for the usual super review.
View ArticleBy: Digby
When a setter uses proper nouns I feel that they should stand the test of time, such that someone doing the crossword 50 years hence can still make sense of it. 1a, 9a, 22d would qualify, with 15a...
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By: gazza
In 50 years time 19a will probably still be well-known as the most recent British Wimbledon champion.
View ArticleBy: stanXYZ
gazza, the DT Saturday Prize Puzzle. Someone pointed out recently that a stamp is no longer required. Scanned entries from the paper can now be submitted by email. (Well, it was possible last week)....
View ArticleBy: AlisonS
Catcher in the Rye may be a famous book, but I have to admit to not knowing who wrote it, however I did work it out from the clue once I had the checkers. Also had to check 2d as my geographical...
View ArticleBy: Peter
Well, I’m back from very sunny and very hot Portugal to an almost equally hot England. I’ve enjoyed the bloggers comments over the past two weeks. Is it me, or are the crosswords getting harder and...
View ArticleBy: gazza
Ah, in that case you don’t need to buy a stamp for either, but you still stand a much better chance of winning with our puzzle.
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By: mary
Left this this morning with six blanks, came back and tried again and still had six blanks!! Not my favourite today, too much GK needed! dont really get 7d, now if it said what Euclid was and not saw...
View ArticleBy: Wozza
Lounging in a beer garden in Chester for a weekend break and waiting for mrs W to come up by train made this an excellent 2 pint puzzle to pass the time. Many thanks to both. With no disrespect to the...
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