Ev 1118 T20 By Oyler

[devadolly]

Forget it! All is forgiven Mr O.

[jim360]

Seemed a relatively gentle introduction to number puzzles which is a great way to start off what might be the first in a series of such puzzles in the EV. Thanks Oyler.

[dr b]

Is it necessary to understand anything about cricket to proceed on this one? For example in 6a, what are extras and does it matter?

[jim360]

The clues could be rewritten easily enough without any reference to cricket. It's enough to know that Total Score = Runs scored by batsmen + extras.

[dr b]

well then I will give it a whirl.

[dr b]

When 10a says "not hit square of the wicket" does this mean 10a is not a square or is that a cricket term?

When 16d says all the females "were in their prime" does this mean the answer is a prime number, or that they were all adults?

[jim360]

Both.

[dr b]

Thanks, assuming 'yes' to both I got a grid that works. According to a post on the Crossword Centre EV numericals are going to become a regular feature. Good news or bad?

[jim360]

It depends on how it's received, I suppose. If you have a drop in entries then it's obviously not worth continuing the series. A rise, or at least a bunch of newcomers as a result, and the series will pick up. Anything's worth trying if it makes these puzzles more widely known and popular.

[TheBear69]

Re 22d: Is the number of people "in the grounds" = 2*(number of people on a side) + #umpires + #spectators? I seem to be off by 4 legs...

[dr b]

12 people on a side, 2 umpires, # of spectators and a 3-legged cat worked for me.

[TheBear69]

I thought there were 11 players on a side.

[jim360]

11 a side, plus the two twelfth men = 12 a side.

[jim360]

Hi,

Sorry you feel that way, though it's obviously up to you. I think I'm right in speaking for the EV editor that this was an experiment and could lead to something in the region of one or two such number puzzles per year, so rest assured that the EV will be a crossword most of the time!

Because this was a first, I think the Editor is keen on feedback, so you should send him an email at the address provided in the paper. And, as I said, you can look forward to at least 51 EV crosswords a year. All those who prefer number puzzles now have one more in a year to go alongside the 4 at the Listener and 12 at the Magpie, as compared with the 200+ word-based puzzles from EV, IQ, Listener, Magpie... Losing one a year isn't so bad, is it, if it helps bring more solvers into the fold?

[ringer]

Hi Everyone
I was genuinely quite excited to see this puzzle but an hour or so of slog and it was solved. I somehow feel a little cheated! I personally prefer the crosswords (even though they might take me two or three weeks) but would like to see how the cross-numbers are developed.

[DocHH]

I'm with MN:RUGBY. As it was a cross-number puzzle, I didn't even bother starting it. Traditional EV please.

[devadolly]

Oh thank goodness, I'm not the only one who isn't keen! Please Mr Crossword Editor, add a number crossword as an extra as with the Suduko etc. Really have tried, but regular readers know my maths phobia so i don't even understand half of the instructions and my sum (sic) total is 3/4s of question 3a. Don't say a word Jim360, know you are a whizz maths expert!

[u10]

I hope I am not in the minority but I thoroughly enjoyed this puzzle. It has a logical solving path and was not too difficult for a lazy Sunday. Thanks Oyler and thanks to Chris for publishing it.

[EV_Solver]

I'm with the fans when it comes to this one. I was at first surprised to see a number puzzle, but it was fair, amusing and enjoyable. Maths puzzles in the Listener are often terribly dry and a long hard slog; this was quite the opposite.

I see what jim360 is saying; solvers who may not normally tackle the EV may be tempted in by a) the fact it is a numerical, and b) because it has a blocked grid. They may then stay for the word puzzles, which will increase the number of EV solvers. A good plan if it works! I'd be happy with a very small number of numericals appearing going forwards - perhaps one or two per year, and with set dates so that non-numbers fans will know they are coming.

[Oyler]

Yet again, to date, solvers have failed to notice a thematic element that should appeal to crossword lovers!! I'm pleased that some people gave it a go and had as much enjoyment solving it ( EV_Solver ) as I did in setting it. I have written a blog regarding the setting of this puzzle which I hope will appear in 3 weeks time.