Listener 4099 - Double Devilry by Pointer

[Philoctetes]

I have only just printed this off, and I am sure that it is going to be satisfying. But what do people think about having a whole puzzle set to one sort of clue? No apparent wordplay or logic. Any PDM can surely only come when considering the three-letters. And only two weeks before a numerical!

[bobbycollins]

Philoctetes, I'm afraid that I just don't see the point of these and I thought that we had seen the back of them. Very mean to throw it in so close to a numerical.

I'm not playing

[dr b]

I've never seen this type of clue before (being relatively new to the Listener). Is there some standard method to approaching this sort of puzzle? It seems at first glance like you're just supposed to suddenly have a flash of insight about a random 6-letter word that works. That could take forever.

[daagg]

dr b, I think flashes of inspiration are the main method - it certainly doesn't need any searching through dictionaries. It all works out very nicely at the end.

[Zabadak]

We seem to have posted about the same time. PDM can come well before considering the 3 letter words: see other thread: http://www.theanswerb...s/Question926991.html

[easylistener]

I'm not playing either. I'd rather paint the kitchen!

[trux]

Managed 17/20 "flashes" last nite - still unilluminated on three - quite enjoying them as each one is a mini-PDM. Still no idea what I'm going to do with them once I've got them all (which must be first goal, surely ? - or is it possible to arrange the sixers in a grid if you are still missing one (or more) of them ?

[reg orr]

I've done this type of xword before & thoroughly enjoy it. However this one was very simple (probably my quickest ever Listener) - even the "extras" indicated by the instructions aren't much of a problem. By the way the instruction "in the normal order" is very useful when filling the grid.

[Alekhine]

Yes, disappointingly easy. My quickest ever finish too, I think. Fun in places, but condemned now to a DIY day tomorrow.

[Staurologist]

This is an elegantly simple puzzle, with a delightful thematic pdm. I encourage the prejudgemental sceptics to give it a go. [Those who are new to Printer's Devilry could consult Dr Watson's notes to Azed number 1888 (http://www.andlit.org.uk/reviews/Azed%20No%2
01888.htm),
which was also dissected at http://fifteensquared...88-printers-devilry.]

There is a pertinent article by Matthew Parris in the current issue of the Spectator (14 August, page 27). He discusses simplicity in music, but the principles apply more widely. "Some of the loveliest sounds I have heard on piano are not difficult to play. ... I wonder sometimes, when we madly applaud an astonishing bravura performance on keyboard or vocal cords, ... whether what we admire has much to do with art. ... Three cheers for virtuosity. But virtuosity is not art."

Incidentally, those who, having polished off the puzzle, find themselves "condemned" to doing something else, might, if it has to be crosswords, try creating one themselves, keeping Parris's comments in mind. It's not so easy. As for me, I have books to read, movies to watch, chess problems to solve, cricket to play, .....

[Staurologist]

Why is this the correct thread and the other the wrong one? Philoctetes started the other at 16.55 on Friday 13th and Zabadak this one at 17.37 on the same triskaidekaphobic day. Zabadak should not have assumed that no thread had already been started.

[Staurologist]

Drat. I meant to post this on the other thread. But then. as the advert used to say, you're never alone with a strand.

[Alekhine]

Staurologist - apologies if I touched a nerve with my 'condemned' comment. Luckily my life seems to be as full as yours, so I managed a day of DIY and a few other things without too many problems.

As for setting puzzles, maybe I'll try that one day, perhaps after retirement. But it still won't make up for that fact that I found 4099 disappointingly easy.

And that's is my entire point ... that it was easy. Not a criticism of the setter, not a whinge ... just a statement of fact. I don't think it really needs any detailed analysis by you ... unless you are short of a few things to do?

[Calibax]

This was my first attempt at a Printer’s Devilry crossword and I have to say that after some initial scepticism I actually quite enjoyed it.
Also, and I’m not sure if this is right place to post this, my Chambers Reference Online subscription has expired and it seem that they are not taking any new subscriptions since closing the Edinburgh office. Does anyone know if this is available elsewhere or if it is to be resurrected?

[AndrewG-S]

Calix, I could not find it anywhere and ended up buying the CD-rom

[Calibax]

Thanks Andrew, I feared as much.