Jane’s friend Jacquie has added two new updates to the ST 3357 blog, not very good news. As ST 3357 is now quite ‘old’ I have created this ‘sticky’ post and copied the content of the new updates here. I will write to Jacquie and politely ask her to use this thread.… Continue reading
Welcome
Welcome to Big Dave’s Crossword Blog
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
You have reached the world’s biggest and best crossword blog. If you are looking for help with the Daily and Sunday Telegraph cryptic crosswords or the Enigmatic Variations advanced cryptic, a total of 13 puzzles a week, then you have come to the right place.
If this is your first time, or for more information about this site, please click on Continue reading “Welcome”
Sunday Toughie 217 (Hints)
Sunday Toughie No 217
by Zandio
Hints and Tips by Sloop John Bee
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
We haven’t had Zandio here since #207, and judging by some of his recent backpagers, I expected a tougher time. This went smoothly with only a few 2d’s or quid pro quo’s for parsing.
16a and 14d clues and I have hinted half. In order to sprinkle them evenly around the grid I have left a few of the trickier clues unhinted. I will try and give a nudge or two if you ask.
Here We Go…
EV 1739 (Hints)
Enigmatic Variations 1739 (Hints)
ABC Order by Vagans
Hints and tips by Gabriel
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Vagans has us thinking today of our alphabet or maybe the Jackson 5.… Continue reading
ST 3361 (Hints)
Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3361 (Hints)
Hints and tips by Senf
A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg. So, Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the birdies is! Since most of the grass is still covered by snow and ice, and what can be seen is brown, it is difficult to decide whether it has riz or not. But we do have birdies. Many of the small ones such as Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Sparrows are with us all year round regardless of the temperature.
A little late, but in the last couple of weeks snow sculptures have appeared on a pedestrians/cyclists only street in the downtown area – this is one of a turtle that appears to be about to consume a jelly fish – the wonders of nature!
For me, and I stress for me,© Dada quite friendly – seven anagrams (one partial), two lurkers, and no homophones in a symmetric 28 clues; with 14 hints ‘sprinkled’ throughout the grid you should/might be able to get some of the checkers to enable the solving of the unhinted clues. I hope you have your Crimson Tomes at hand!
Remember that Reading the Hints before commenting can be beneficial!
If it is some time since you read, or if you have never read the instructions in RED below the hints then please consider doing so before commenting today as my electronic blue pencil is at the ready and the Naughty Step is OPEN!
A Mid-Year Blog Bash 17.5
A Mid-Year Blog Bash 17.5 perhaps?
25th July 2026
Following the last Birthday Bash, it was suggested that a mid-year get-together would be a good idea. The Old Joint Stock in Birmingham was suggested, and I have secured shared use of the Mezzanine Balcony for us.… Continue reading
NTSPP 841
DT 31193 (Hints)
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31193 (Hints)
The Saturday Crossword Club
(hosted by crypticsue)
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
Toughie 3656
Toughie No 3656 by Elgar
Hints and Tips by crypticsue
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Toughie Difficulty *****300 – Enjoyment ****
DT 31192
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31192
Hints and tips by Mr K
+ - + - + - + - + - + - + - +
BD Rating - Difficulty *** - Enjoyment ****
Hello, everyone, and welcome to Friday. I thought this puzzle was just excellent, with many penny drop moments encountered either finding the answers or parsing the wordplay. Continue reading "DT 31192"
DT 31187 (Full Review)
Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31187
A full review by Rahmat Ali
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
This puzzle was published on 14th March 2026
BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ****
Greetings from Kolkata. A tough Saturday puzzle from the setter that I enjoyed solving and thereafter writing a review of the same for your kind perusal and significant feedback. Continue reading “DT 31187 (Full Review)”
Toughie 3655
Toughie No 3655 by Bandit
Hints and tips by ALP
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Toughie difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****/*****
Bandit makes a welcome second appearance with yet more cleverness and truly immaculate surfaces. A dollop of history (huzzah!) and a smidgeon of science (boo!) but all very fairly clued. All yours.