Listener 4173 Bias by Zag

[starwalker]

Well, that was an interesting workout and an area about which I previously knew absolutely nothing. Thanks for that Zag.

[AndrewG-S]

I would not say that this was easy as the gimmick in the clues made it more of a challenge, however a number of the clues themselves were at the easier end which helped. I feel pretty ignorant admitting to having no knowledge of the theme so another small gap filled in my scant knowledge of this area. Thanks zag, overall great fun.

[Stavrolex]

I agree that was an easy one, which I enjoyed, but I'm surprised no one's mentioned the misprint in BRB which presumably prompted the form of bias chosen. I've only got the 2003 edition but I assume it's still there. Presumably it's the correct spelling which is to be used.

[Rogue-Elfe]

Yeah, got this one without too much trouble. I liked 20d, one of the last ones I solved, which on second reading could almost be an &lit. I agree with Sunnydave, as the penultimate on 3rd unclued across light was different on one website I looked at, but it was confirmed on another (and also in BRB as has been mentioned). That said, the confirming down clue for that letter couldn't possibly be the other alternative. Once again, no idea of the theme before the PDM, although if the second word was one letter shorter...

[jockie]

I think some are being too harsh on Zag. There were several places where the biased entry was not unique, and the consequent time spent unravelling the false entries I had confidently put in made this trickier than it at first appeared. I applaud what to me is a new method of inputting answers. Thamks Zag.

[dr b]

^I agree. The only criterion I judge the puzzle on is, did I enjoy solving it? so this one gets full marks in my book.

Perhaps Big Dave's Telegraph blog gets it right by separately grading each puzzle on difficulty and enjoyment. So on his 5 point scale this one gets a 5 for enjoyment even if only a 2 for difficulty. In contrast, knight's moves and phizzes (joyless slogs, both) get 5s for difficulty, but about a -6 for enjoyment in my opinion.

[twoshortplan]

I found that this had too many clues which could not stand alone as the wordplay merely indicated a word to be jumbled. It got easier once some entries were in place but I think that clues should be able to be solved without necessarily having some letters already in place.

[dr b]

You can solve the clue while not being able to make the grid entry. For me that was the twist that kept things interesting.

[aldanna]

I certainly didn't find this as easy as 4171 but I have enjoyed it. I am completely there now apart from the second letter of 11d, which is currently eluding me. I also was bothered by the penultimate letter of the third theme word, until I found the relevant BRB entry - which was not under the first few keywords I looked at. I am postponing buying the new edition as I must surely win one soon - mind you, I think it would have been helpful for last week's Mephisto.

[magichour]

This was the easiest one I've done to date. Nevertheless, enjoyed the gimmick and the theme (of which I had no previous knowledge). I expect a stinker will soon follow - a clueless carte blanche with the preamble written in Japanese, perhaps.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Can anyone remember the Private Eye Listener preamble parody, ending (I think) in something like "Well, that's enough help from me".

[IainGrace]

Agree with most comments. About halfway through and no idea of theme yet, but it didn't take us much time at all to get to this stage. Entries for some anagram based clues deferred pending cross checking, but we can fill in more of these than we had expected. Good challenge but not too taxing.

[Philoctetes]

An agreeable ramble round my own speciality (for once) without the preamble or hidden letters giving it away. I thought the clues were a tad easy, and mostly resolved into anagrams (inevitably). Made a pleasant accompaniment to David Niven and Charlton Heston on TV.

[teuchter2]

More or less finished, but can't find the phrase I think it should be so maybe I've been careless. I take it from the comments already posted that I don't need the latest BRB, so perhaps I'm barking up the wrong tree.

[IainGrace]

Finished. Likewise unfamiliar with the theme but now much the wiser.

[Tarraco2]

All sorted now. That was fun - we didn't think it was as easy as 4171 but still managed it without any wrong turnings. Brewer disagrees with BRB about one spelling.

[perseverer]

The preamble would normally just say 'The Chambers Dictionary (2011) is the primary reference.' The additional 'confirms all of the theme words' presumably shows that the setter was well aware of the alternative spellings in other soures, and making sure any arguments were avoided.

[emcee]

I enjoyed this one even though the clues were relatively straightforward. I found the hidden phrase before latching on to the theme which made things much easier for me.

[the_heisman]

I have the grid which didn't take long but was quite good fun. Struggling with the phrase. BRBs seem a bit like Manchester United football kits where you have to replace them whenever the manufacturers feel like it - rather loth to do so - is the 2011 version essential or will 2008 do?

[vetuste_ennemi]

the_heisman, any. I got BRB 2011 from Amazon for £16.

[Alan7777]

I didn't find it as easy as most of you so nothing new there then. But it was much easier than last week and both will be posted tomorrow. I got the phrase by googling many of the theme words and as others have said was able to confirm all the theme words from the BRB.